By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 13 January 2026 — Former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo welcomed the Somali cabinet’s decision on Monday to cancel all bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, Farmajo said he welcomed the move “due to the illegal violation of our national sovereignty,” adding that while the decision came late, “it is better than not being taken at all.” He stressed that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity are the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
In contrast, Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to all agreements signed with the UAE, describing them as “legal, valid, and binding.” It said the federal government has no legal or administrative authority, nor effective control, over Berbera, and is neither a party nor a guarantor to Somaliland’s agreements. Somaliland added that the deals were concluded by its competent constitutional authorities to support development, trade, and regional stability, expressing appreciation to the UAE leadership under Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
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Meanwhile, Puntland rejected federal interference in its internal security affairs, affirming that its security cooperation with the UAE and the Bosaso Port development project remain lawful and ongoing. Puntland said its constitution and Somalia’s Provisional Constitution of 2012—particularly Article 142—grant it authority over security and borders, warning of repeated constitutional violations and stressing that any dialogue must take place strictly within the constitutional framework.
