In a surprising development that raises questions about governance and international relationships, Northeastern State’s President Said Abdullahi Deni has seemingly transferred control of Bosaso Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without securing the necessary parliamentary approval. This move, shrouded in secrecy, has ignited a heated debate regarding Northeastern State’s autonomy and its delicate ties with the federal Somali government.
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On March 5, satellite imagery uncovered a significant development: an Israeli-made ELM-2084 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array Multi-Mission Radar had been installed near the airport. This addition, according to sources close to the matter, is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to enhance security at Bosaso Airport, primarily against potential threats, including drone attacks from Houthi forces in Yemen. The implications of such military enhancements invite reflection—do the benefits of external security support outweigh the risks of eroding local authority and autonomy?
Sources privy to the situation have informed Middle East Eye that the UAE has been rapidly increasing its presence at Bosaso Airport, primarily to facilitate the supply of arms to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in the two-year-long conflict with Sudan’s military. This emerging relationship raises pressing ethical questions: How do we navigate the complexities of foreign military engagement in intra-national conflicts? What does it mean for a region when foreign interests dictate local security dynamics?
In a noteworthy twist, earlier this year, Sudan’s government filed a lawsuit against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide for its support of the RSF. Although the UAE has denied providing military backing, the circumstantial evidence suggests otherwise, particularly with the radar’s installation coinciding closely with the RSF’s loss of control over Khartoum. A regional source pointed out, “The radar’s purpose is to detect and provide early warning against drone or missile threats, particularly those potentially launched by the Houthis.” This development leads us to ponder: when does a nation’s right to defend itself intersect with the sovereignty of nations involved in conflict?
Insiders have insisted that this agreement was covert, even to high-ranking officials within Northeastern State’s own cabinet. One anonymous source stated, “This is a secret deal, and even the highest levels of Northeastern State’s government, including the cabinet, are unaware of it.” The silence around such pivotal decisions is troubling, and it begs the question: What checks and balances are in place to ensure that the decisions affecting so many are made transparently and democratically?
In addition, reports have emerged claiming that Colombian soldiers are being redeployed to Sudan through Bosaso airport, even though there’s ambiguity regarding the visa arrangements, with Mogadishu appearing to have been sidelined. The palpable frustration among some Somali officials is evident; as one of them put it, “The silence of the Somali national government on this issue is incomprehensible.”
Historically, the UAE has maintained strong ties with Somalia, particularly with Northeastern State, where investments and military training efforts to combat piracy have established a burgeoning partnership. However, Deni’s increasing alignment with the UAE raises questions about the future of Northeastern State’s autonomy. Could it be that his political ambitions are playing a role in this alignment? An insider observed, “There are presidential elections in 2026, and he will need every bit of support to win the national vote.”
Salim Said Salim, a regional expert at the Sidra Institute, noted the lack of response from Deni or his administration regarding the radar’s presence, suggesting that their silence indicates the truth of the claims. “This silence suggests the claims are true,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency for Northeastern State to engage in transparent discussions about such pivotal military collaborations.
While Northeastern State’s cooperation with the UAE is strategically sound for some, it carries implications for national sovereignty and regional stability. As Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces mounting pressures, including threats from Al-Shabaab and challenges to his governance, the need for unity among Somali factions grows ever more pressing. Should the nation prioritize foreign alliances over cohesive national strategies?
Ultimately, as Northeastern State navigates this intricate web of international relations and domestic pressures, the decisions made now will resonate far into the future. If the past teaches us anything, it is that transparency, collaboration, and considering the voices of all stakeholders can pave the way toward a more stable and prosperous Somalia.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
