On January 12, Somalia's cabinet annulled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The decision, according to Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar, followed years of strained relations and was triggered by what Somalia views as the UAE's repeated violations of its sovereignty and interference in its internal affairs.

The immediate catalyst for the annulment was the UAE's alleged smuggling of a fugitive from Somalia, an act the Somali government considered the "last straw" after prolonged diplomatic engagement failed to yield desired results. Minister Omar stated that Somalia had pursued cooperation with external partners, including the UAE, in good faith, expecting mutual respect and positive collaboration. However, he asserted that this cooperation had devolved into "illegal interference" that bypassed constitutional institutions, fragmented national authority, and distorted internal political balances.

Somalia, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, has long been a focal point for regional and international interests. Its history is marked by periods of instability, civil war, and the struggle to establish a strong central government. The country's fragile political landscape makes it particularly sensitive to external interference, especially from neighboring countries and global powers vying for influence in the region. The concept of sovereignty is deeply valued in Somalia, given its history of external intervention and internal conflict.

The UAE, a wealthy Gulf nation, has been increasingly active in the Horn of Africa, pursuing economic and strategic interests. Its involvement has included investments in ports, infrastructure projects, and security initiatives. However, these activities have often been viewed with suspicion by some Somalis, who fear that the UAE's growing influence could undermine their country's sovereignty and exacerbate existing political divisions.

The annulled agreements encompassed a range of sectors, including security, trade, and investment. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, potentially affecting economic ties, security cooperation, and the overall geopolitical landscape of the region. It remains to be seen how the UAE will respond to Somalia's actions and whether mediation efforts will be initiated to resolve the dispute. The move also raises questions about the future of Somalia's relations with other international partners and its ability to attract foreign investment and support for its development efforts.