Darood Elders Back Somalia's Decision to Cancel UAE Agreements

Tuesday January 20, 2026 Las Anod (HOL) — Senior traditional elders from the Darood community have on Tuesday endorsed the Somali government’s decision to cancel security and port agreements with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of undermining Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and national independence. The position was announced following a large gathering of clan leaders, including kings and senior elders, in Las Anod, where they had convened to attend the inauguration of Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, as president of Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State. advertisements In a statement, the elders said the federal government’s decision was in line with Somalia’s national interest and necessary to protect the country’s independence. They accused the UAE of direct interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, particularly in politics, security and national unity. The Darood elders specifically condemned the UAE’s role in facilitating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling the move unconstitutional and a direct threat to Somalia’s territorial integrity. “This intervention violates the constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and threatens the unity of the Somali nation,” the statement said. The Darood Cultural Council warned that continued foreign interference could deepen political divisions, fuel insecurity and weaken the economy, creating opportunities for extremist groups to exploit the current crisis. The elders urged both the federal government and Somalia’s regional administrations to work together to safeguard the country’s independence and unity, cautioning that internal political disputes could further fracture the nation at a critical moment. They also called on regional state leaders who have not yet publicly declared their position on national unity to take a clear and principled stand in defense of Somalia’s territorial integrity. The statement follows the Somali government’s recent decision to nullify all security and port-related agreements with the UAE, including arrangements linked to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo. Mogadishu said the move was prompted by alleged violations of sovereignty and unauthorized activities carried out without federal approval. The decision has exposed sharp divisions within Somalia’s federal system. Puntland, Jubbaland and Somaliland administrations have rejected the cancellation and expressed support for the continued UAE presence at key ports under their control, arguing that the agreements are vital for security and economic development. The split underscores the growing strain between Mogadishu and some regional governments as Somalia navigates a volatile political landscape marked by foreign competition, internal power struggles and renewed debate over the balance of authority within the federal system.