(26-04-23) MOGADISHU – Somali Member of Parliament Abdullahi Aden Kulane has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) unchecked operations in Somalia, comparing their potential impact to the devastation seen in Yemen and Libya. In a statement, Kulane called on the Somali parliament to take immediate action to prevent the UAE’s “predatory and self-serving actions” from tearing the nation apart.
Kulane urged the Somali parliament to void the leases for the Koyama and Chovaye Islands, Somali seaports, and all military agreements based on dishonesty. He warned that these agreements risked undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and urged lawmakers to put the nation’s interests first.
Furthermore, Kulane expressed concern over the UAE’s military buildup and their support of militias and mercenaries operating in Somalia and some regional states. He called on the Somali government to take decisive action to counter these activities and to ensure that Somalia’s leadership prioritizes the nation’s sovereignty over any foreign interests.
Kulane also cautioned against granting the UAE unrestricted access to Somalia’s intelligence community and military command. He implored the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to be vigilant in protecting the nation’s sensitive information and strategic resources, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over national security.
The UAE’s unchecked operations in Somalia have the potential to do as much destruction as they did in Yemen and Libya, leaving us without prospects and dividing us forever.
To stop the predatory and self-serving actions of the #UAE from ruining Somalia, the Somali parliament…
— Abdullahi Aden Kulane (@Abdulkullane) April 25, 2023
Finally, Kulane demanded that the UAE operate within the tenets of international law while conducting its activities in Somalia. He emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and called on the international community to hold the UAE accountable for any actions that may violate international norms.
Previously MP Dahimr Amin Jesow expressed concerns that any Somali forces under UAE command would not benefit Somalia. He recalled the issues caused by such forces in 2016, including targeted assassinations, and stated that such occurrences must not be allowed.
The Somali MP’s statement highlights growing concerns about the UAE’s influence in the country, particularly as Somalia continues to grapple with political instability and the threat of terrorism. As the international community watches closely, the Somali government’s response to these concerns will be critical in determining the nation’s future stability and prosperity.
Authored by Hanad Mohamed
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