MOGADISHU: Somalia cancelled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates on Monday amid tensions over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and reports that the Emiratis used Somali territory to help a Yemeni separatist flee his country.

“Having carefully assessed recent developments and exercising its constitutional authority, the Council of Ministers has annulled all agreements concluded with the United Arab Emirates… including bilateral security and defence cooperation agreements,” the Somali government said in a statement.

There have been deepening differences between Somalia and the UAE over a number of issues.

The UAE is seen as quietly supporting the move by Israel last month to recognise Somaliland, the first to do so since the self-proclaimed republic declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

The UAE built and operates a large deep-water port and military base at Berbera in Somaliland.

Tensions spiked again last week after Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of helping a Yemeni separatist leader, Aidarous Al Zubaidi, escape by boat and plane via Berbera and the Somali capital Mogadishu to Abu Dhabi.

Somalia’s immigration agency said at the time it was investigating an “alleged unauthorised use of Somalia’s national airspace and airports”.

The Somali government did not directly mention the recognition of Somaliland or the alleged escape of Zubaidi in its statement cancelling deals with the UAE.

It said the decision was “based on credible reports and compelling evidence concerning hostile actions undermining national sovereignty, territorial unity, and the political independence of the country”.

“The decision of the cabinet today comes after a long period of endurance by the leadership of the federal government.”

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2026