Somalia has strongly condemned the United Arab Emirates’ invitation to the President of Somaliland, Abdur Rahman Arrow, to the World Governments meeting in Dubai. The Somali government made it clear that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia and that the move threatens the country’s sovereignty. Expressing its concern, the Ministry of External Affairs has initiated steps at the diplomatic level to resolve the matter so that national unity can be maintained.
Somalia’s Stance on Somaliland’s International Recognition
Somalia has rejected more than 40 international attempts to recognize Somaliland’s independence over the past 20 years. Nevertheless, eight countries have established informal relations with Somaliland, which continue despite Somalia’s opposition.
Somalia’s government says any kind of recognition could cause a rift in the more than 50-year-old national unity, affecting political stability in the Horn of Africa. Accordingly, the United Nations and the African Union have always supported Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Diplomatic Tensions Between Somalia and the UAE
Relations between Somalia and the UAE have been strained following five diplomatic spats in the past three years, including over the UAE’s investment in Somaliland. As a result of these tensions, trade relations were affected, and Somalia’s exports from the UAE to Somalia decreased by 12% from 2022 to 2023.
Diplomatic talks are ongoing, and the two countries have held five major summits since 2020 to resolve the conflict. However, experts say the UAE is Somalia’s third-largest trading partner, reflecting both cooperation and tensions between the two countries.
Impact of UAE’s Actions on Somalia’s Regional Relations
The UAE’s actions have affected Somalia’s regional relations, particularly with neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya. Following the UAE’s intervention, joint military training between Somalia and Ethiopia has increased by 20 percent, marking a new development in relations between the two countries.
Somalia’s regional influence in the African Union has been challenged, as several member states have expressed reservations about the UAE’s interference in Somaliland affairs. Somalia’s diplomats said the tensions have resulted in a 10 percent drop in regional support.
The UAE’s move to invite Somaliland’s leader has heightened diplomatic tensions with Somalia and challenged its stance of national unity. Somalia is taking diplomatic steps to resolve the issue and maintain its sovereignty. This ongoing conflict may affect Somalia’s regional relations and its role in international forums.
