Mogadishu, 12 January 2026 — The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia has formally approved the cancellation of all security, defence, and military cooperation agreements previously concluded with the United Arab Emirates, according to an official government statement issued on Monday.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting and adopted as a national resolution annulling all bilateral agreements related to security and defence cooperation. The Council stated that the move is intended to safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and compliance with the Provisional Constitution.

The government said the cancelled agreements had direct implications for national security and for the federal authorities’ exclusive constitutional mandate over defence and security affairs. All agreements with the United Arab Emirates, particularly those concerning military training, security cooperation, and defence, are now considered null and void and no longer carry legal effect.

The resolution applies to all cooperation linked to activities at the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo. The Council of Ministers said the decision followed a review of reports and evidence indicating actions viewed as undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its sovereign rights and responsibilities over its territory, ports, national security, and foreign relations. It also stressed that Somalia remains committed to maintaining diplomatic relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and national interest, and remains open to international cooperation that is fully consistent with the Constitution and national laws.

During the same session, the Council of Ministers approved a number of legislative and regulatory measures, including a draft law on the protection of the sovereignty and territorial unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, a draft arbitration bill, regulations governing the National Disaster Risk Management Fund, and regulations implementing the Companies Services Law.

The draft law on the protection of sovereignty and territorial unity introduces provisions prohibiting federal member states, sub-national administrations, and private entities from entering into agreements with foreign actors without prior notification, approval, and oversight by the Federal Government and the relevant competent ministry.