Mogadishu – The Council of Ministers of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Monday issued an official decision reaffirming its constitutional obligation to protect the country’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order.

In a statement dated January 12, 2026, the cabinet announced the cancellation of all agreements concluded with the United Arab Emirates, including those involving federal institutions, affiliated entities, and federal member states operating within Somalia. The decision covers all cooperative arrangements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.

The cabinet also annulled all existing bilateral agreements between the Federal Government of Somalia and the UAE, including security and defense cooperation agreements. According to the statement, the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of recent developments and was based on credible reports and evidence indicating actions deemed harmful to Somalia’s independence, national unity, and political sovereignty.

The government emphasized that such actions violate core principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and respect for constitutional order, as enshrined in international and regional frameworks, including the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Charter of the Arab League.

From a policy perspective, the decision represents a decisive assertion of federal authority over foreign relations and strategic infrastructure, while simultaneously exposing underlying tensions within Somalia’s federal system. The move signals Mogadishu’s intent to re-centralize control over external partnerships, but it also raises questions about enforceability and coordination with federal member states, particularly in a politically fragmented landscape.