The Somali government has cancelled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates linked to several key ports, citing alleged breaches of the country's sovereignty, national unity, and political independence, the prime minister's office said Monday. The decision was based on "reports and strong evidence regarding wrongful actions that undermine the sovereignty, national unity, and political independence" of Somalia, the statement said. At a Cabinet meeting, ministers agreed to annul all agreements and cooperative arrangements concerning the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo. The Cabinet also approved a draft law on protecting Somalia's sovereignty and territorial unity, as well as an arbitration bill. According to the statement, the proposed sovereignty law would prohibit regional administrations and private entities from entering into agreements with foreign parties without prior notification to, and approval from, the federal government and oversight by the relevant ministry. The move followed an investigation by Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency into the alleged unauthorized use of Somali airspace by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council. — Agencies
