For decades, Somalia has faced conflict, terrorism, foreign intervention, and political instability. Yet despite these hardships, one principle has remained deeply rooted among Somalis everywhere: Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
In recent years, many Somalis have become increasingly concerned about the political role played by the UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain in the Horn of Africa. While these countries present their actions as diplomacy, investment, and regional cooperation, many citizens in Somalia see their policies as openly hostile to Somalia’s unity and long-term stability.
The UAE and Strategic Pressure in Somalia
Among Gulf states, the UAE has played the most direct role in Somalia’s political and economic affairs. Through port agreements, military interests, and regional alliances, Abu Dhabi has attempted to expand its influence across the Horn of Africa.
Many Somalis believe the UAE has repeatedly bypassed Somalia’s federal government by building direct relations with regional administrations and Somaliland. Critics argue this weakens Somalia’s national institutions and encourages political fragmentation.
The Berbera port agreement and expanding UAE presence near the Red Sea are viewed by many not simply as business investments, but as strategic projects aimed at securing geopolitical leverage over Somalia and the wider Horn region.
Morocco and Bahrain’s Alignment
Morocco and Bahrain may not be as directly involved in Somalia as the UAE, but their political alignment with Gulf normalization policies and Israeli regional strategies has raised concern among many Somalis.
Both countries joined the Abraham Accords and increasingly coordinate their foreign policies alongside the UAE and Israel. Their support for diplomatic engagement with Somaliland is viewed by many Somalis as indirect support for undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity.
For many citizens, this represents a dangerous precedent where foreign governments interfere in African borders and internal political disputes for strategic gain.
Somalia Is Not for Sale
Somalia’s location near the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden makes it one of the most strategically important countries in Africa. Foreign powers understand this reality very well. Ports, military access, shipping lanes, and regional influence are all part of the competition now unfolding in the Horn of Africa.
However, Somalia’s sovereignty cannot become a bargaining chip for foreign alliances, normalization agendas, or geopolitical rivalries.
Many Somalis believe some external actors prefer a weak and divided Somalia because fragmented states are easier to influence politically and economically. This perception has only grown stronger as foreign countries deepen ties with Somaliland while ignoring Somalia’s internationally recognized territorial integrity.
International Law and African Unity
Somalia remains internationally recognized within its existing borders by the United Nations and the African Union. The AU has long defended the principle of respecting inherited African borders in order to prevent endless regional conflicts and separatist crises across the continent.
Attempts to politically legitimize division inside Somalia therefore create fears of wider instability not only for Somalia but for Africa as a whole.
The future relationship between Mogadishu and Hargeisa should be resolved through Somali-led dialogue and reconciliation — not through foreign pressure, outside recognition campaigns, or strategic interference.
Somalia Will Decide Its Own Future
Somalis may disagree politically among themselves, but Somalia’s destiny must remain in Somali hands. No foreign state — whether the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Israel, or any other power — has the right to determine Somalia’s future according to their own geopolitical interests.
Somalia has survived colonialism, civil war, terrorism, and foreign intervention. The Somali people remain resilient and committed to preserving their sovereignty, unity, and independence.
A stable Horn of Africa can only be built on mutual respect, non-interference, and recognition of Somalia’s territorial integrity — not through policies that deepen division and external dependency.