Somalia cancelled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, scrapping deals covering port operations, defense and security cooperation in a move that underscores deepening tensions over sovereignty, regional politics and influence in the Horn of Africa.

Announced on Monday by Somalia’s Council of Ministers, the decision applies to all existing partnerships with the UAE, including agreements linked to the strategic ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo, as well as bilateral security and defense arrangements.

“This decision is based on credible reports and compelling evidence concerning hostile actions undermining national sovereignty, territorial unity, and the political independence of the country,” the Council of Ministers said in a statement.

Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi echoed the Council's remarks in his own separate statement on X.

The UAE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The move comes amid mounting anger in Mogadishu over what Somali officials see as the UAE’s growing influence in Somalia’s breakaway and semi-autonomous regions, particularly Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but is not internationally recognized.

While the UAE declined to sign a joint Arab-Islamic statement condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, it later issued a joint statement with the African Union on January 7 pledging “support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.”

Over the past decade, Somaliland has emerged as a focal point for Emirati commercial and security investment. Dubai-based logistics firm DP World holds a 30-year concession to develop and operate the Port of Berbera, a deal valued at $442 million. DP World declined to comment on Somalia’s announcement.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies estimates that UAE investments across East Africa amount to roughly $47 billion, accounting for about 60 percent of all Gulf capital inflows into the region.

Tensions escalated further following reports that Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, travelled to the UAE via Berbera port in Somaliland on January 8 after rejecting Saudi calls to attend talks in Riyadh. Somalia’s immigration authority subsequently announced an investigation into what it described as the “unauthorised use of Somalia’s national airspace and airports.”

Somalia launched an investigation last week after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said the UAE had spirited the separatist leader out of Yemen through Somali territory, warning that such an act would constitute a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty if confirmed.

Somalia operates under a federal system that grants significant autonomy to its member states, raising questions over whether regional authorities will comply with the cabinet’s decision. Puntland and Jubaland, both of which maintain close ties with the UAE, have recently clashed with the federal government over constitutional changes and the conduct of upcoming elections.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi