Somalia's Council of Ministers has annulled all agreements and memoranda of understanding related to bilateral security and defence cooperation between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates, citing concerns over national sovereignty.

The decision was made on Monday during a council meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama.

It applies to all agreements and cooperative arrangements connected to activities at the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo.

According to a government statement, the move followed reports and what Somali officials described as compelling evidence of actions deemed detrimental to Somalia's sovereignty and national unity. The government reaffirmed its exclusive authority over Somali territory, ports, security affairs, and foreign relations.

'Exclusive rights'

"The Federal Government of Somalia reiterates its sovereign responsibility and exclusive rights in managing national security and external relations," the statement said.

During the Monday meeting, the Council of Ministers also approved several legislative proposals, including the Draft Law on the Protection of Sovereignty and Territorial Unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Arbitration Bill, regulations governing the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), and regulations for the Companies Services Law.

The Draft Law on the Protection of Sovereignty and Territorial Unity introduces provisions prohibiting sub-national administrations or private entities from entering into agreements with foreign parties without prior notification and approval of the Federal Government.

The proposed law also requires oversight by the relevant federal ministry responsible for the subject matter of any such agreements.

The decisions underline Somalia's efforts to rein in foreign interference and revise Somalia's security cooperation agreements.