MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid growing concerns that it may be backing Somaliland’s recognition and played a key role in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to recognize the breakaway region last month.
The statement, jointly issued with the African Union, followed a meeting in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, between UAE Minister of State Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and AU chief Mohamud Ali Yusuf.
“On Somalia, both sides reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability,” the statement said.
However, many Somali analysts and political commentators described the UAE’s response as hypocritical, accusing it of supporting Somaliland’s recognition behind the scenes while attempting to maintain its alliance with Somalia’s federal government.
Relations between Somalia and the UAE have steadily deteriorated in recent months and worsened further following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last month, with Mogadishu aligning closely with Saudi Arabia’s camp in the proxy conflict in Yemen. More
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
