By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 30 December 2025 The Somali government has reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Yemen following renewed tensions in the gulf region.
A report from government-owned Somali News Agency said the federal government expressed its strong backing for Yemen’s internationally recognized government as it grapples with separatist forces in southern and northern Yemen.
The Somali government’s position follows, Yemen’s cancellation of its defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates ( UAE), which it accuses of funding separatist groups in the country.
The Yemeni administration particularly faults UAE of supporting the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist group pushing for southern Yemen’s independence.
The UAE's backing of STC has strained relations between it and Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized government, led by President Rashad al-Alimi, and also leads a coalition fighting to restore legitimacy. Saudi Arabia opposes both the Houthi rebels and STC.
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On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition launched limited airstrikes targeting two vessels at the Mukalla port, which reportedly entered Yemen from UAE's Fujaira port without official authorization from the joint forces command.
The UAE government has already announced its decision to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen, citing urgent security changes within the country.
President al-Alimi stated in a televised speech that Yemen’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, and foreign interference must not be allowed to determine the country’s future.
