MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Dhay), has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended security aid to the Horn of Africa nation following Mogadishu’s formal withdrawal from bilateral agreements.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Abdisalam clarified that the Emirati assistance had been primarily targeted at bolstering Somalia’s military and security institutions. “The bulk of support from the UAE was directed at the security sector. With the agreements terminated, there is no valid foundation for that assistance to continue,” he explained.
Nullification of Pacts
The suspension follows a decision in January by the Federal Government to terminate all bilateral agreements with the UAE. Mogadishu accused Abu Dhabi of actions that compromised Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, a move that significantly altered the diplomatic landscape between the two nations.
Diplomatic Channels Remain Open
Despite the cessation of security support, the Foreign Minister emphasized that diplomatic connections between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi persist. He noted that the Somali embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Emirati mission in Mogadishu continue to function normally, indicating that broader bilateral relations remain unbroken.
Addressing speculation regarding the motive behind the decision, the minister dismissed claims linking the move to allegations of UAE involvement in conflicts in Sudan and Yemen. He asserted that the action was exclusively tied to protecting Somalia’s national interests and its specific bilateral arrangements with Abu Dhabi.
