Somalia’s suspension of agreements with the United Arab Emirates is reshaping port operations and investment flows across the Horn of Africa. Emirati firms have withdrawn workers and equipment from facilities in Kismayo, Berbera, and parts of Puntland, affecting logistics and infrastructure projects worth an estimated $800 million. Analysts say the pullback will weaken UAE commercial influence but could also hurt Somalia’s economy by disrupting trade, port revenues, and security-linked investment in key coastal regions.

Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jamal Mohamed Hassan, met with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Talks focused on investment opportunities, industrial development, and expanding trade ties, with both sides highlighting China’s role in supporting Somalia’s economic growth. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening commercial relations for mutual economic benefit.

Somalia’s largest telecom operator, Hormuud Telecom, has accused Kenyan forces of destroying its telecommunications infrastructure in the Dhuyac-garoon area of Lower Juba. The company said the damage disrupted mobile communications and mobile money services for up to 30,000 residents, affecting trade, remittances, and access to financial services. Hormuud warned that the incident has worsened economic and humanitarian conditions in the drought-hit region and called for the protection of civilian commercial infrastructure.

Pakistan and Somalia signed an agreement ending visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders. President Asif Ali Zardari witnessed the signing during talks with Somali Interior Minister Ali Yousuf in Islamabad. Somali Permanent Secretary Hamza Adan Haadoow and Pakistani Special Secretary Dawood Muhammad Baraech signed the deal. Leaders said it will ease official travel and support trade, security cooperation, and institutional coordination. Both sides also discussed law enforcement and criminal justice collaboration.

Somalia’s Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Beene-Beene, met with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, Dr. Mary Otieno, to strengthen cooperation on development programmes. Discussions focused on aligning projects with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, improving coordination, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation. Both sides emphasized transparency, accountability, and sustained collaboration to accelerate social development and improve essential service delivery nationwide.

Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, has held high-level talks with business leaders in the Benadir region to address barriers to commercial growth and boost investment. The discussions focused on improving the business environment, strengthening local manufacturing, expanding exports, and reducing reliance on imports. Business representatives emphasized their role in job creation and revenue generation, expressing readiness to partner with the government on modernizing and expanding Somalia’s presence in global markets.

Regional forces in Somalia have retaken Kuday Island in Jubaland, a day after Al-Shabaab militants seized it. Troops, supported by federal special forces and air strikes, fought for more than 24 hours to reclaim the island. Officials reported at least 59 insurgents killed, 42 injured, and 10 vehicles destroyed. Kuday, a former militant base liberated in 2015, remains strategically important for regional security and control over southern Jubaland.

Türkiye has extended the deployment of its naval forces in the Gulf of Aden, off Somalia’s coast, the Arabian Sea, and surrounding waters for another year from February 10, 2026. Published in the Official Gazette, the move aims to protect Turkish-linked commercial vessels, counter piracy and maritime terrorism, and support humanitarian operations. Türkiye said the extension aligns with its international security obligations and complements ongoing multinational efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation.

Somalia’s Federal Parliament has ratified the new Intergovernmental Authority on Development Treaty, marking a major step in the country’s regional engagement. IGAD said the endorsement strengthens cooperation on peace, security, trade, climate resilience, and development across the Horn of Africa. The ratification helps meet the two-thirds threshold required to operationalize the 2023 treaty, replacing the 1996 framework and reinforcing Somalia’s commitment to regional integration and collective action.