Somalia has taken significant diplomatic measures in response to recent events involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen, as tensions escalate in the Horn of Africa. Following the unauthorized entry of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the erstwhile Southern Transitional Council (STC), into Somalia, the Somali government has decided to rescind all agreements with Abu Dhabi. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Somalia’s foreign relations, according to Ali Omar, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
In an exclusive interview with USA Zine, Omar labeled al-Zubaidi’s arrival in Somalia on January 8 as the “last straw,” prompting Mogadishu to forfeit agreements that encompassed critical areas such as port operations, security cooperation, and defense mechanisms. He elaborated on the incident, criticizing the use of Somalia’s airspace by alleged UAE-backed operations, claiming that the entry was executed in a manner that compromises Somalia’s sovereignty.
The backdrop to this diplomatic fallout is Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a region with aspirations for independence that is not universally acknowledged. This recognition has sparked condemnation across various nations, particularly in Africa and the Arab world, highlighting Somalia’s commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity.
The Somali government’s decision also reflects a broader frustration with the UAE’s engagements within Somalia, which many officials view as detrimental to the nation’s unity and stability. Omar emphasized that, while the recent incident was a decisive factor, the deterioration of relations was not solely based on this event but rather indicative of ongoing tensions.
Within hours of Mogadishu’s announcement, regions with established ties to the UAE, such as Somaliland, rejected the decision, thereby underscoring the country’s internal political complexities. Omar asserted that Somalia is striving to reclaim its sovereignty, encouraging international partners to interact with the Somali state rather than with non-state actors.
In emphasizing a constructive regional dynamic, Omar praised Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting stability in Yemen, noting that a stable neighbor directly influences Somalia’s security landscape. While some perceive this diplomatic maneuver as being influenced by Riyadh, Somalia’s Information Minister Daud Aweis clarified that the decision arose independently from any external pressure.
Amid a growing sentiment against foreign influence, particularly Emirati investments that have been perceived as undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, the Somali government insists on honoring its constitutional framework and established governance structures. According to research from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Emirati investments in East Africa reach approximately billion, spotlighting the substantial financial footprint the UAE holds in the region.
Finally, Somalia’s assertion of its position comes at a critical juncture, as it navigates its foreign relationships and asserts its rights on the international stage. With a commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and stability, Somalia calls for respect from global stakeholders as it embarks on this new chapter of diplomatic engagement.
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