Abdullahi M Hassan ( Abdullahi Yabarow)

  On 12 January 2026, the Federal Government of Somalia issued one of the most consequential legal decisions in its recent history. The Council of Ministers declared that it had annulled all agreements concluded with the Government of the United Arab Emirates. This decision applied not only to federal-level arrangements but also to deals made by government administrative entities, affiliated bodies, and regional administrations. Most notably, it cancelled all cooperative arrangements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo. The statement was unambiguous. It was an assertion of national sovereignty and constitutional authority. The government justified its action by citing threats to Somalia’s unity, independence, and political integrity. The move was framed as a defence of the nation’s right to speak with one voice on the international stage. The response was swift. Federal member states, especially Puntland and Jubaland, pushed back. They argued that the agreement...

    The recent interview with Al Jazeera by the CEO of DP World, in which he stated that Somalia’s decision to nullify agreements with the United Arab Emirates would not affect Berbera Port, warrants careful legal scrutiny rather than emotional reaction. From a legal perspective, the statement is unsurprising but not decisive. The Federal Government of Somalia has formally annulled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates , including those related to Berbera Port. The core question is not whether DP World continues to operate on the ground, but whether those operations are legally valid under international law. Somalia’s strongest position lies in remaining the only internationally recognised sovereign authority over its territory. Physical access to a port does not determine sovereignty. Recognition does. Under international law, only the Federal Republic of Somalia has the legal capacity to approve foreign port concessions, security arrangements and internationa...