Somalia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs asserted that external support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has contributed to the fragmentation and separatist divisions within Somalia, according to an interview with Al Jazeera on January 14, 2026. The minister stated that regions including Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland had received varying degrees of support from the UAE.
The minister's comments highlight ongoing tensions regarding the UAE's involvement in Somali affairs. While the specific details of the support were not disclosed in the provided source material, the accusation suggests a belief that the UAE's actions have emboldened separatist movements and undermined the authority of the central government in Mogadishu.
The relationship between Somalia and the UAE has been strained in recent years due to several factors, including a dispute over the UAE's port development projects in Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. The Somali government has consistently maintained that such deals violate its sovereignty. Furthermore, Somalia has remained neutral in the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Qatar and a Saudi-led bloc, which includes the UAE, a stance that has reportedly displeased Emirati officials.
It is important to note that the UAE has previously defended its engagement in Somalia, arguing that its projects are aimed at promoting economic development and stability in the region. Emirati officials have also asserted their commitment to Somalia's territorial integrity.
The governments of Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland have not yet issued official responses to the Somali minister's accusations. The allegations are likely to further complicate the already complex political landscape in Somalia and could potentially impact diplomatic relations between Somalia and the UAE. The Somali government did not elaborate on what specific policy responses it might take in light of these concerns. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds and regional actors respond to the accusations.
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