Dubai-based port and logistics company DP World said its operations at Somaliland’s Berbera port were continuing as normal, saying it was operating under existing agreements, despite regional tensions over the escalating conflict in neighboring Yemen.
The Somali government said on Monday it had cancelled all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, including port deals and defense and security cooperation, accusing the Gulf state of undermining Somalia’s national sovereignty.
The move came after an investigation launched by Mogadishu last week found that the UAE secretly deported a separatist leader from Yemen, via Somalia.
“DP World remains focused on the safe and efficient operation of the port, and on bringing trade facilitation and economic benefits to Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa,” DP World said in a statement to Reuters. She added that questions about political decisions, government negotiations, or diplomatic positions should be directed to the relevant institutions.
The United Arab Emirates has built deep economic and security ties with Somaliland. The key element of this strategy is a $442 million investment by DP World to develop and operate the breakaway region’s Berbera port.
Last month, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland’s independence, a move that Abu Dhabi reportedly played a role in facilitating, according to an Axios report citing Israeli officials.
