Somalia's Geopolitical Chess Game: The Scrapped UAE Deals and Qatar's 'Defense' Pacts
📰 THE STORY: Al-Monitor reports that Somalia and Qatar have signed a defense cooperation agreement, enhancing military and security collaboration, just days after Somalia terminated its existing contracts with the United Arab Emirates. This move is presented as a strategic realignment for Mogadishu. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: Somalia's fragile state is a direct
consequence of decades of external interference and internal conflict, including the Cold War-era proxy battles and the 1990s US-led intervention in 'Operation Restore Hope' that ultimately exacerbated instability. The UAE's presence, including its military base in Berbera, Somaliland, has long been a point of contention, seen by many as undermining Mogadishu's sovereignty and contributing to
regional fragmentation. The UAE has been accused of supporting secessionist movements, notably in Somaliland, while simultaneously deepening its military and economic ties with Ethiopia, which recently signed a controversial port deal with Somaliland that Mogadishu considers an act of aggression. Double Standard: When Western powers or their Gulf allies establish military bases and sign 'defense'
agreements in strategically vital regions, it's framed as promoting 'stability' and 'counter-terrorism.' However, when nations like Somalia seek new alliances, especially away from Western-aligned states like the UAE, it's often portrayed as unpredictable, potentially destabilizing, or a sign of external malign influence, particularly if the new ally (Qatar) has different geopolitical leanings.