On Monday , 12 January 2026, the Somali federal government announced the cancellation of all contracts and agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision was made during an extraordinary cabinet meeting presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Salah.
The cabinet declared null and void all agreements between the UAE and the Federal Government of Somalia, as well as contracts involving Federal Member States (FMS). These agreements included cooperation related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, where the UAE had engaged directly with regional administrations.
According to the federal government, the decision was taken in response to what it described as UAE interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. The government stated that cooperation between the UAE and individual federal member states had contributed to political tensions and conflict, undermining national unity and federal authority. As a result, all UAE-related agreements were cancelled across Somali territory.
Somalia remains a post-conflict country after decades of armed violence that severely weakened state institutions and public services. In the past, both the federal government and regional states cooperated with the UAE on state-building initiatives and security sector support, including assistance to the Somali National Army.
The UAE had previously invested in military camps, training programs, and equipment, supporting hundreds of Somali soldiers before relations deteriorated due to political disagreements and conflict.