A major rift is widening between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it's escalating fast! After Somalia made the bold move to cancel key security agreements, the UAE has begun a visible withdrawal of its equipment from Mogadishu, signaling a significant shift in their relationship. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Somalia justified in its actions, or is this a case of cutting off crucial support? Let's unpack the details.
Reports surfaced on Friday, January 16, 2026, indicating that the UAE initiated the removal of its equipment and supplies from Somalia. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that three cargo planes, loaded with UAE government materials, departed from Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport on Thursday. This wasn't just a routine shipment; it was the beginning of a larger-scale withdrawal triggered by Somalia's recent decision to terminate security and defense agreements with the Emirates. Two more planes were expected to land in the capital on Friday to finalize the operation, according to sources speaking to Hiiraan Online.
Government and aviation insiders revealed that the withdrawal process wasn't smooth sailing. Disagreements arose between Somali and Emirati officials regarding the necessary procedures, specifically documentation and authorization. Initially, UAE officials reportedly resisted complying with Somali government directives. And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't a simple logistics issue, but a clash over sovereignty and control. Eventually, the UAE officials relented, submitting flight manifests and other required information before the planes were granted permission to leave.
This dramatic move follows a decisive vote by Somalia's federal Cabinet to nullify all security and defense agreements and cooperative arrangements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo. The reason? Somalia cited what they considered "serious breaches of Somalia's sovereignty, national unity, and political independence." These are strong words, indicating a deep level of distrust.
The catalyst for this decision appears to be an investigation conducted by Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency. The investigation focused on the alleged unauthorized use of Somali airspace and territory in connection with the movements of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council – a separatist group backed by the UAE. The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen accused al-Zubaidi of defying orders to attend talks in Riyadh, instead mobilizing forces towards Al-Dhale in southwestern Yemen. Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki, a coalition spokesperson, alleged that al-Zubaidi fled Aden by sea and then left the region by air, with Abu Dhabi facilitating his transit through Somali territory. Al-Maliki claimed al-Zubaidi boarded a flight accompanied by aides “under the supervision of UAE officers.” The Southern Transitional Council, however, vehemently denies these claims, maintaining that its leader remains in Aden.
But the story doesn't end there. The deteriorating relationship is also playing out against a broader diplomatic backdrop. Last month, Israel became the first nation to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move that Somalia vehemently opposes. Reports, citing Israeli officials, suggest that Abu Dhabi facilitated this recognition, further straining the already tense relationship between Mogadishu and the UAE. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The UAE has long fostered strong economic and security ties with Somaliland, including a significant $442 million investment by Dubai-based logistics firm DP World to develop and operate the Port of Berbera. Somalia's federal government, however, considers Somaliland an integral part of its internationally recognized territory and has consistently objected to foreign agreements made without its consent. This is a long-standing point of contention.
The withdrawal of UAE equipment from Mogadishu is a clear sign of escalating tensions and signals a potential realignment of the Emirates' presence in federal Somalia. However, it's important to note that the UAE's influence likely remains strong in regional administrations.
Somali officials maintain that the government remains open to international cooperation, but only on terms that fully respect Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and constitutional authority. This stance is now being put to the test as one of Mogadishu's most powerful foreign partners pulls back. So, what does this all mean for the future of Somalia? Will Somalia's firm stance pay off, or will it isolate the country further? And what role will other international players play in this evolving situation? What do you think? Is Somalia right to prioritize its sovereignty, even if it means risking valuable partnerships?
