Somalia's government confirmed on Monday it had terminated all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, citing the illegal entry of UAE-backed Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi into Somali territory. Ali Omar, Somalia's state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera that al-Zubaidi's arrival on January 8, via the breakaway region of Somaliland, triggered the decision. Al-Zubaidi is the leader of the now-defunct Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The Somali Council of Ministers announced the decision on Monday, marking a significant downturn in relations between the two countries. The move follows Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, which has faced widespread condemnation across Africa and the Arab world.

The cancellation of agreements represents a culmination of simmering tensions between Somalia and the UAE. Somalia has previously accused the UAE of violating its sovereignty through various actions, including developing military facilities in Somaliland without the consent of the Somali government. The UAE has been a key player in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, and its support for the STC, which seeks independence for southern Yemen, has been a point of contention with the internationally recognized Somali government.

The relationship between Somalia and the UAE has been strained for several years, particularly since the 2017 Gulf crisis, when Somalia remained neutral, resisting pressure to side with Saudi Arabia and the UAE against Qatar. This neutrality angered Abu Dhabi, which subsequently reduced its financial and political support for Mogadishu.

The entry of al-Zubaidi through Somaliland further exacerbated the situation. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it is not recognized internationally. Somalia views Somaliland as part of its territory and considers any dealings with the region without its consent as a violation of its sovereignty.

The severing of ties with the UAE could have significant economic and political repercussions for Somalia, which relies on foreign aid and investment. The UAE has been a major investor in Somali infrastructure and a key trading partner. The future of these projects and trade relations remains uncertain. The Somali government has not yet specified the exact details of the agreements that have been cancelled or the timeline for their termination. The international community is closely watching the developments, with concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.