Somalia’s UAE deal suspension draws strong rejection from Federal States 

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Jubaland and Puntland, along with the self-declared republic of Somaliland, have sharply criticized and rejected a recent decision by the federal government to suspend cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates.

In separate statements, the states said the government in Mogadishu lacks the legal authority to halt or cancel agreements they say were lawfully concluded directly between regional authorities and the UAE.

They argued that matters related to port development, security cooperation and investment projects fall under the constitutional powers of regional administrations, describing them as vital sources of local revenue. The federal government, they said, has no mandate to interfere in agreements they claim have significantly benefited local populations.

“Ports and local security are the responsibility of the regional administrations, and the federal government does not have constitutional authority to nullify transparently concluded investment agreements,” one statement said.

The dispute threatens to deepen long-running political tensions between Mogadishu and regional leaders. The UAE is a key investor in ports at Bosaso, Berbera and Kismayo and has also provided support to regional security forces involved in counterterrorism operations.

The federal government has not yet responded publicly to the joint rejection by Jubaland, Puntland and Somaliland.

The standoff comes amid intensified diplomatic competition in the Horn of Africa, where regional and international actors are increasingly vying for strategic and economic influence.

GAROWE ONLINE