Somalia rejects return of UAE’s influence and geo-economics interests

In addition, the Gulf country demanded an unnamed Emirati company to take over the management of a new airport set to be built south of Mogadishu, the capital.

News Keydmedia Online
4 July 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The president of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid his maiden visit to the United Arab Emirates [UAE] late last month to fix strained relations.

He held talks with his UAE counterpart Mohamed Bin Zayid that resulted in a deal to improve cooperation on security, trade and development after 4 years of frosty ties.

The visit on June 19 came after Mohamud received an invitation from MBZ who wanted to open a new page for the relations with Somalia to finish Qatar’s influence.

Sources revealed to Keydmedia Online that the Somali president has rejected some of the UAE conditions in the bilateral agreement in the fields of politics and trade.

The president’s trip which was scheduled to take two days lasted for five days after members of his delegation tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Abu Dhabi.

UAE has asked the Somali president to allow Terminal operator DP World a 30-year concession for the management of three Ports in Kismayo, Berbera and Bossaso.

The DP World had already been in a deal with Puntland and Somaliland over Bossaso and Berbera ports. However, there was a dispute over the legality and authority issue.

Abu Dhabi also eyes investment in Barawe port, an ex-Al-Shabaab bastion in the Lower Shabelle region, which it wants the Somali government to secure it before moving in.

In addition, the Gulf country demanded an unnamed Emirati company to take over the management of a new airport set to be built south of Mogadishu, the capital.

DP World is current managing Bossaso and Berbera airports in Puntland and Somaliland respectively with deal with regional administrations in the country.

Also, UAE wants the return of its military bases in Somalia, mainly in Mogadishu which it abandoned in 2018 in protest over the seizure of $9.6 million at the airport by NISA during Farmajo’s presidency.

The confiscation of the money prompted a diplomatic rift between the two countries, and finally cut off relations with each other with reports that Qatar fueled the tensions.

To fulfil all demands, the UAE has pledged $ 500 million to president Hassan Sheikh over the next five years, the same amount that Qatar paid to the ex-Farmajo regime.

According to the sources, Mohamud informed Mohamed Bin Zayed, that his visit was not to sign Abu Dhabi's interests in Somalia, but only wanted to improve brotherly ties.

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