In a significant development in diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa, the Somali parliament unanimously voted to cancel all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, specifically those related to DP World. This decision culminates a series of escalating tensions between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi, which have cast a shadow over the political and security landscape of the region.
Details of the parliamentary decision and the protection of sovereignty
The resolution passed by the Somali Parliament prohibits DP World from operating within Somali territory. It deems the agreements the company entered into with the administrations of Somaliland and Puntland, without consulting the central federal government in Mogadishu, a blatant violation of Somali national sovereignty and a breach of the country's provisional constitution. Parliament has directed the executive branch to take the necessary measures to implement this ban and cancel any previous contracts.
Background to the crisis: Berbera port and the turning point
The roots of this escalation lie primarily in the tripartite agreement concerning the strategic port of Berbera, which included DP World, the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, and Ethiopia. The Federal Government in Mogadishu considered its exclusion from this agreement an infringement upon the territorial integrity of Somalia. The situation worsened following the incident in which Somali security forces detained an Emirati aircraft at Mogadishu airport and confiscated cash on board, leading to a rapid deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The geopolitical importance of the Horn of Africa
This event cannot be viewed in isolation from its regional and international context. The Horn of Africa is an arena for international competition due to its strategic location overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. Analysts suggest that this decision reflects the political rivalries in the region, where various regional powers seek to bolster their influence through investments in ports and military bases. The cancellation of the agreements could have repercussions for development and infrastructure projects funded by the UAE, as well as impacting the military training and security support programs that Abu Dhabi provided to Somali forces.
Expected future repercussions
This decision is expected to cast a shadow over economic and political relations between the two countries for some time to come. Domestically, the withdrawal of Emirati investments could slow the development of some vital infrastructure, while supporters of the decision see it as a necessary step to restore the central government's authority. Regionally, this event could reshape alliances in East Africa, opening the door for other international players to fill the investment and political vacuum created by this rupture.
