Mogadishu – Puntland’s regional government has described the Somali Council of Ministers’ decision to cancel all previous agreements between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates as illegal, asserting its constitutional authority over security and development agreements within its territory.

In an official statement, Puntland said it remains responsible for protecting, suspending, or amending security and development agreements signed with foreign governments and companies operating in the region. It noted that some of these agreements contribute to combating ISIS and Al-Shabaab, as well as counter-piracy efforts that pose broader international security concerns.

Jubaland authorities in southern Somalia also rejected the cabinet’s decision, calling it invalid and unenforceable within the state. A statement issued by Jubaland late last night confirmed the continuation of economic and infrastructure-related agreements, particularly those linked to the Port of Kismayo.

Meanwhile, the self-declared Somaliland administration opposed the decision as well. Somaliland’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Khadar Hussein Abdi, dismissed the Somali government’s move to expel UAE-owned DP World from Berbera Port, describing it as unrealistic and unattainable. He emphasized Somaliland’s ties with the UAE, calling Abu Dhabi a reliable partner.

From a policy standpoint, the backlash highlights persistent tensions between Somalia’s federal government and regional administrations over control of foreign partnerships, security cooperation, and strategic infrastructure. The dispute underscores structural weaknesses in federal consensus-building and raises questions about the federal government’s ability to implement unified foreign and economic policy amid fragmented authority.