MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Relations between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates have deteriorated sharply following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move Mogadishu believes was strongly influenced by Abu Dhabi and has pushed the Horn of Africa nation openly into Saudi Arabia’s camp amid an escalating Gulf rivalry.
The diplomatic rupture marks an unprecedented low in ties between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi, once Somalia’s closest international partner. The UAE has for years played a central role in supporting the Somali government, including paying salaries for security forces, providing training and equipment, and offering direct budgetary assistance.
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Tensions first flared after Ethiopia signed a controversial sea access deal with Somaliland last year, a move Somali officials blamed on Emirati lobbying. The fallout has since deepened following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland late last month, which Mogadishu considers a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
Somalia’s former National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali, a key ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, described the situation bluntly, saying the “UAE is the elephant in the room” just days after Israel’s Somaliland announcement, although the government stopped short of making a formal accusation.
In a move widely seen as politically significant, President Mohamud quietly relocated his family from the UAE to Egypt shortly after Israel’s decision, according to local media. The move fuelled speculation that Somalia was preparing to downgrade relations with Abu Dhabi.
That speculation gained traction on Dec. 30 when Somalia issued a statement expressing support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and rejecting “any foreign intervention undermining the country’s unity” – an apparent reference to the UAE.
The statement was released just hours after Saudi Arabia demanded that the UAE withdraw from Yemen and halt its support for the separatist Southern Transitional Council.
Somalia’s stance marked a clear alignment in the Saudi-UAE proxy conflict in Yemen, with Mogadishu decisively backing Riyadh.
In a further signal, a Jan. 3 statement from Somalia explicitly commended Saudi Arabia, praising the kingdom’s efforts to convene a Yemeni national dialogue aimed at bridging divisions among warring factions, describing the decision as a “generous initiative.”
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalan Dhay visited Saudi Arabia on Sunday, where he met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The talks focused on Riyadh’s “backing for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,” according to Somali officials.
Although the UAE rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland at an emergency Arab League summit last month, Somali officials appeared unconvinced, citing Abu Dhabi’s long-standing political, economic and security ties with Somaliland.
Local Somali media have reported that the cabinet is scheduled to hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss relations with a Gulf country that has long been a close ally – widely believed to be the UAE. Officials are expected to consider formally downgrading ties, though no decision has yet been announced.
The UAE’s influence in Somalia remains deep and multifaceted. Beyond Somaliland, Abu Dhabi backs Puntland and Jubaland regional states, whose leaders notably refrained from condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Other Somali regional states publicly opposed the move.
Somali media have also reported that the UAE recognised Somaliland passport, allowing holders easier entry, while imposing restrictions on Somali passport holders, including repeated visa rejections. Somali authorities have not officially commented on the reports.
Despite the visible collapse in relations, both Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi have so far exercised restraint, avoiding public threats or a formal severing of ties. Instead, both sides appear to be maneuvering quietly behind the scenes. Analysts say the decisions made in the coming days and weeks could prove decisive in determining the future trajectory of a relationship once considered among Somalia’s most strategic partnerships.
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