UAE

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali politicians seen as close to Qatar on Friday welcomed a federal decision to downgrade Somalia’s ties with the United Arab Emirates, applauding a move they framed as a defense of the country’s sovereignty and political independence. Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who has lived in Turkey and Qatar since leaving office, backed the decision by the Federal Government’s Council of Ministers in a statement posted on Facebook. “I welcome the decisions issued today by the Federal Government…

Mogadishu — Somalia’s federal government has canceled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates tied to the strategic ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo, citing serious violations of the country’s sovereignty, national unity and political independence. The Cabinet decision, taken Monday in Mogadishu, annuls “all agreements and cooperative arrangements” related to the three ports, according to an official statement. The move was based on “reports and strong evidence regarding wrongful actions that…

MOGADISHU — A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition fighting in Yemen said Thursday that Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council, slipped out of the country via North Western State of Somalia after skipping planned peace talks in Riyadh — a development that could deepen a widening rift between the coalition’s two most powerful members. In a statement, the coalition said al-Zubaidi departed the southern port city of Aden late Wednesday aboard a vessel bound for Berbera in…

Saudi-led coalition says STC chief al-Zubaidi fled Yemen via North Western State of Somalia to UAE, skipping Riyadh talks ADEN, Yemen — The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said the head of the Southern Transitional Council, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, slipped out of the country overnight after skipping planned peace talks in Riyadh, traveling by sea to North Western State of Somalia before flying on to the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the coalition said al-Zubaidi abruptly disappeared ahead of the talks and left late…

Yemen cancels defense pact with UAE, orders 24-hour troop withdrawal after alleged STC arms shipment Nationwide state of emergency declared for 90 days; 72-hour air and land ban on ports and border crossings Saudi-led coalition says it carried out a “limited” strike on two ships in Mukalla port Yemeni government backs move; UAE offers no immediate comment Yemen on Tuesday scrapped a joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates and ordered all Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours, escalating a rift…

AXADLE, Somalia — Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition struck the port of Mukalla in southeastern Yemen after alleging that weapons unloaded there were bound for the United Arab Emirates–backed Southern Transitional Council, according to officials and international media reports. The coalition had urged civilians to evacuate areas around the port ahead of the strikes, warning the facility could become a new flashpoint in Yemen’s widening conflict. Saudi officials have accused the STC of actions that undermine Yemen’s…

Trapped in Terror: El-Fasher's Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds In the war-torn city of El-Fasher, a story of survival against insurmountable odds is playing out. Families torn from their homes navigate a chilling landscape of violence and fear, desperate for refuge. The Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) recent capture of this western Darfur hub marks a grim chapter in the ongoing Sudanese conflict, leaving tens of thousands trapped and vulnerable. Struggling for Survival As the echoes of gunfire fade into uneasy silence, only a…

Somalia Defends Diplomatic Moves Amid Regional Tensions By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shakes hands with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan during a meeting in Mogadishu on August 27, 2025. CREDIT/ SONNA In the midst of a tempestuous geopolitical landscape, Somalia finds itself at the heart of swirling online discussions, with its recent diplomacy under intensified scrutiny. The arrival of notable delegations from…

Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Somalia Forge Deeper Ties Amid Regional Shifts In a move resonating with diplomatic significance, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to Mogadishu. The high-level meeting unfolded against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, underscoring the evolving socio-political landscape of the Horn of Africa. Deepening Diplomatic Relations The discussions took place at the heart of Somali leadership—the…

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is currently in Abu Dhabi, where she is poised to finalize crucial bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates focused on extradition and mutual legal assistance. These two treaties, which received the green light from the Government just last Friday, are poised to significantly bolster cooperation between Ireland and the UAE in their collective efforts to combat crime and streamline the extradition process. Last year, Minister McEntee embarked on negotiations with the UAE, engaging in…