Somalia reaffirms support for Yemen’s unity amid rising Saudi-UAE tensions

Somalia’s Federal Government has reaffirmed its firm support for Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, backing the internationally recognized Yemeni government as tensions escalate in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somalia said it “categorically rejects any attempts or interventions that seek to undermine Yemen’s unity or infringe upon its constitutional legitimacy and national institutions,” underscoring its long-standing position in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized authorities.

The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following Saudi airstrikes on the port city of Mukalla, reportedly targeting alleged weapons shipments linked to Emirati-backed forces. The incident has intensified disputes between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over political and military influence in southern Yemen, prompting emergency security measures inside the war-torn country and renewed international calls for restraint.

Somalia emphasized that it “renews its full support for the legitimate government of Yemen,” stressing the importance of peaceful political solutions led by Yemenis themselves, in a manner that preserves state sovereignty and addresses the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security, stability, and development.

The Somali government also commended the role of Saudi Arabia in Yemen, describing it as “pivotal and responsible” in supporting Yemen’s security and stability, as well as in advancing political, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts aimed at ending the conflict and alleviating humanitarian suffering.

In addition, Somalia praised the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen for its efforts to protect Yemen’s state institutions and territorial integrity, while supporting a peace process aligned with internationally agreed reference frameworks.

Reaffirming its broader regional stance, Somalia expressed “full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” in efforts to promote regional security and stability, reiterating its rejection of any threats that undermine the security of the Kingdom, international maritime navigation, or the stability of the wider region.

The statement further highlighted the strategic importance of Yemen, noting that its security and stability constitute “a fundamental pillar for the security of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Horn of Africa.” Somalia called on the international community to continue supporting efforts toward a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that ends the conflict and restores Yemen’s stability and regional role.

The latest developments have raised concerns among regional and international observers about the risk of further destabilization in an already fragile geopolitical environment, particularly along critical maritime corridors linking the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

Mustaqbal