The UAE has again called Somaliland a Republic, thus trespassing on Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, this development comes when Abu Dhabi had been increasingly engaged in acts against Somalia-upon getting closer ties with the Somaliland administration and the UAE.
In its report by UAW news agency, WAM, UAE called on the president of Somaliland, Abdirahman Cirro, who was invited in an earlier summit in Abu Dhabi, to be considered head of state, as further confirmation that he is president of the Republic of Somaliland.
Though many felt, today it is clear that the UAE intends to go a step further in confirming its recognition of Somaliland, with the misreporting at the opening of the summit, a few days ago, as just a technical error. Following this, Cirro spoke to WAM, explicitly saying that Somaliland was a “country,” a difficulty for consideration in any future by the UAE in recognizing a state.
In that interview, Cirro also appreciates the consistency with which the UAE gives its support for Somaliland, and he is looking forward to strengthening economic and development cooperation between both sides. The DP World investments in Somaliland and the development infrastructure that has turned the Port of Berbera into a strategically important incredibly lucrative hub to Somaliland and its neighboring nations have further endeared the UAE to Somaliland.
DP World investments in the Port of Berbera and the Berbera Free Zone have developed economic relationships between Somaliland and Ethiopia, despite the relatively high number of investors available. Cirro pointed out that such investments instill more confidence in Somaliland’s long-term stability, which is welcome in the course of doing business.
The attention was on the UAE-funded hospitals and various livestock investment opportunities in Berbera and Burao. Cirro highlighted that Somaliland could become a vital food supply source for the Arabian Peninsula, especially for meat exports.
Moreover, Cirro pointed out the attractions of Somaliland’s own natural tourism acquisition of 150 kilometers of wide-open coast. That speaks mountains for the tourism and hotel development.