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Abu Dhabi (ANN)-The Republic of Somaliland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are deepening their military and security cooperation, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics. The strengthening of this partnership comes as the UAE expands its strategic influence in the Horn of Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the geopolitics of the region.
Somaliland’s military chief, Major General Nim’an Yusuf Osman, recently held high-level talks in Abu Dhabi with the UAE’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eisa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei. The meeting revolved around enhancing defense collaboration, including military modernization and security assistance.
According to a statement from Somaliland’s military, the UAE has pledged to support Somaliland in areas such as military training, advanced defense technology, and logistical support. This support aims to bolster the Republic of Somaliland’s defense capabilities and strengthen its national security infrastructure. The timing of these discussions coincided with Major General Cismaan’s participation in an international defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, which runs until February 23, 2025.

UAE’s Strategic Interests in Somaliland

With its strategic access to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea shipping lanes, the Republic of Somaliland has long been of interest to the UAE. Abu Dhabi has sought to expand its military presence in the port city of Berbera, a move that could allow it to project power deeper into East Africa and counter the influence of Turkey, which backs Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.
Reports indicate that the UAE is keen on establishing a military base in Berbera, further solidifying its strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa. This move follows the UAE’s prior investments in Somaliland, particularly its multi-million-dollar development of Berbera Port through DP World. The expansion of Berbera Port has made it a critical maritime hub in the region, serving both trade and military interests.

Somaliland’s Diplomatic Strategy and Security Interests

For the Republic of Somaliland, deepening military ties with the UAE aligns with broader objectives of enhancing security and increasing international recognition. Since declaring its independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has sought to build foreign partnerships that not only strengthen its defense forces but also bolster its legitimacy on the international stage.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has taken two official trips to the UAE within the past month, signaling the growing diplomatic and security ties between Hargeisa and Abu Dhabi. His most recent visit included participation in the World Government Summit, where discussions centered on regional security, governance, and economic cooperation.

Regional Reactions and Implications

Somalia’s federal government has consistently opposed foreign military agreements involving Somaliland, arguing that such deals undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. However, the Republic of Somaliland has maintained that it exercises full sovereignty in making such agreements, given its independent governance and stable political environment.
The UAE’s increasing military and economic footprint in Somaliland has been a point of contention since 2017 when DP World signed an agreement to develop Berbera Port. The Somali federal government denounced the deal as illegal, asserting that all foreign investments must be negotiated through Mogadishu. The tensions further escalated in 2018 when Somali authorities seized $9.6 million from a UAE aircraft in Mogadishu, accusing Abu Dhabi of funding regional militias. In response, the UAE ended its military training program for Somalia’s national army and instead focused on direct security cooperation with Somaliland and Puntland.

Ethiopia’s Role in the Equation

The UAE’s growing role in Somaliland comes amid Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Somaliland, which includes potential Ethiopian naval access to Berbera. This agreement, signed in early 2024, has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Ethiopia and Somalia, further complicating regional alliances.
Landlocked Ethiopia has long sought access to the sea to facilitate trade and economic growth. Its strategic agreement with Somaliland would allow it to utilize Berbera Port, potentially establishing a naval presence. However, this move has drawn strong opposition from Somalia, which claims jurisdiction over Somaliland’s affairs despite Somaliland’s decades-long self-governance and stability.

The Broader Geopolitical Implications

While the Republic of Somaliland and the Horn of Africa are geographically distant from the Pacific, the strategic developments in this region have significant global ramifications. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are vital maritime corridors for global trade, and any shifts in control or security stability in these waters can impact international shipping and economic interests, including those of the United States and its allies in the Pacific region.

As the UAE strengthens its position in Somaliland, its ability to control key shipping routes and counter regional rivals such as Turkey and Iran will become increasingly evident. This shift in power dynamics aligns with broader international security concerns, including the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its influence in Africa. The United States and other global players will need to closely monitor these developments to ensure stability and safeguard their strategic interests in the region.
The Republic of Somaliland’s evolving military and diplomatic engagement with the UAE marks a critical moment in the region’s security landscape. The deepening ties between Hargeisa and Abu Dhabi reflect Somaliland’s strategic ambitions and growing role in regional security.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s expanding presence in the Horn of Africa signifies its commitment to securing vital trade routes and countering geopolitical rivals.
As these developments unfold, the implications will be felt far beyond East Africa, influencing international security strategies, trade policies, and diplomatic alignments on a global scale. The future of Somaliland-UAE cooperation will not only shape the security framework of the Horn of Africa but also impact broader geopolitical interests extending into the Pacific and beyond.