Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed recently refuted claims that he, along with other opposition figures, is receiving political or financial backing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He emphasized that any ties he has with the Gulf nation are personal, not political, amidst ongoing tensions between Somali authorities and Emirati investments.
Clarification of Relationships with the UAE
In a recent interview, Sharif disclosed that he has resided in the UAE for nearly ten years with his family. Despite this long-term stay, he asserted that there is no political connection between him and the Abu Dhabi government. “My family and I were welcomed, and I am thankful for that,” he stated. However, he made it clear that any relationships he maintains do not extend into the political arena.
Sharif pointed out that the current Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has developed his own close associations with the UAE, highlighting that Somalia’s federal government has received considerable financial and security support from the Emirates. He also reiterated that the UAE has historically backed Somalia through various development and security initiatives, which have benefited successive administrations.
Critique of Government’s Rhetoric
Sharif criticized the recent shift in the federal government’s rhetoric toward the UAE, warning that such an approach could prove detrimental to Somalia’s interests. “Somalia should grasp how international relations operate and how to manage conflicts, rather than engaging in unfounded accusations,” he advised. This is particularly relevant given the federal government’s past accusations against foreign nations, including the UAE, regarding interference and support for opposition forces and regional entities.
In January 2026, tensions escalated as Somalia severed all agreements with the UAE, including key deals for port operations and security cooperation. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi attributed this drastic decision to credible reports indicating practices by the UAE that violated Somalia’s sovereignty and political independence.
The Role of Somaliland
Despite Somalia’s claims, Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has increasingly become a focal point for Emirati investment in commercial and security ventures. Notably, DP World, a UAE-based entity, holds a significant 30-year concession for the Berbera port. This development has exacerbated concerns in Mogadishu over the UAE’s expanding influence in Somalia’s breakaway regions.
Sources close to the Somali government have indicated dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a growing Emirati foothold in Somaliland, which the federal government maintains is still part of Somalia. Although Somaliland operates its own institutions, it lacks substantial international recognition, a situation that complicates its regional dynamics and relations with the federal government.
As these developments unfold, the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa remains delicate, with Somalia grappling with internal challenges while navigating international alliances. The position of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed reflects broader concerns about foreign influence and the need for coherent foreign policy strategies that prioritize national interests over external affiliations.