MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United Arab Emirates has dispatched a senior diplomatic delegation to Mogadishu, in what appears to be a response to the recent visit of Sudan’s intelligence chief, Ahmed Ibrahim Ali Mufaddal, to the Somali capital.
Led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the Emirati delegation held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and deepening cooperation across key sectors, including security.
The visit comes against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly surrounding the ongoing war in Sudan. The UAE has long faced accusations of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of grave human rights violations, including mass killings.
According to sources cited by Somali media, officials in Mogadishu raised concerns over the conflict in Sudan and the UAE’s alleged role in fuelling the crisis. The UAE’s growing involvement in the Horn of Africa, particularly through its relationships with Somaliland and Puntland- both at odds with Somalia’s federal government – has also contributed to a cooling of relations between Abu Dhabi and Mogadishu in recent months.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the UAE has been using Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region as a logistical base to support RSF operations. Activities reportedly include surveillance, arms transfers, and the deployment of mercenaries – some of whom are said to be Somali nationals recruited as recently as this year.
While details of the discussions between the Somali president and the Emirati delegation remain undisclosed, the timing of the visit is seen by analysts as significant. It follows closely on the heels of the Sudanese intelligence chief’s arrival in Mogadishu, which is believed to have unsettled officials in Abu Dhabi.
Somalia has repeatedly expressed frustration over the UAE’s support for Somaliland’s claims of independence and Puntland’s defiance of federal authority, issues that continue to strain relations between the two governments.
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