Somalia-UAE relations sink to historic low over Somaliland
Diplomatic relations between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates have fallen to their lowest point in years
MOGADISHU, Somalia (MNTV)— Diplomatic relations between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates have fallen to their lowest point in years, as tensions escalate over the fallout from Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and Somalia’s growing suspicions of Emirati involvement in moves seen as threatening its territorial integrity.
Somali officials say ties with Abu Dhabi have sharply deteriorated following a series of developments they believe point to UAE support for Somaliland’s international recognition, a red line for the federal government in Mogadishu.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, is not internationally recognized.
The latest strain follows Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland, a move Somalia has condemned as a violation of its sovereignty.
While the UAE publicly supported Somalia’s territorial integrity at the Arab League, Somali officials remain unconvinced, citing what they describe as contradictory actions by Abu Dhabi.
According to Somali government sources, Mogadishu views the UAE as playing a behind-the-scenes role in regional initiatives that sideline the federal government, including Ethiopia’s controversial maritime access agreement with Somaliland.
Somalia has repeatedly warned that any recognition of Somaliland undermines regional stability and violates international law.
Relations between Somalia and the UAE have been uneasy for years.
Once a key partner in security cooperation, the UAE suspended its military training program in Somalia in 2018 following a political dispute, and cooperation has remained limited since. The current crisis marks the sharpest downturn since that rupture.
Somalia has also voiced concerns over travel and documentation issues involving Somaliland residents, which it says risk normalizing Somaliland’s separate status. Officials argue such measures, even if informal, contribute to eroding Somalia’s claim over the region.
As tensions with Abu Dhabi grow, Somalia has increasingly aligned itself with Saudi Arabia on regional issues, including backing Riyadh’s position in Yemen.
Analysts say the diplomatic shift reflects broader rivalries among Gulf states playing out in the Horn of Africa.
The Somali government has not announced a formal downgrade in diplomatic relations but has warned that continued actions perceived as hostile could lead to further measures.
For Mogadishu, the dispute goes beyond bilateral ties. Officials frame the issue as an existential matter tied to Somalia’s unity, warning that foreign interference in the Somaliland question risks inflaming instability in an already fragile region.
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