Somalia chides regions for cutting ties with Qatar

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Somalia chides regions for cutting ties with Qatar
Tensions in strategically located Somalia illustrate how far the political ripples from the Gulf dispute have spread.

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Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire's office urged the Gulf crisis be resolved 'brotherly, peacefully and diplomatically' [Feisal Omar/Reuters]
Somalia's government has rebuked its three semi-autonomous regions for cutting ties with Qatar, saying it was determined to stay neutral in the Gulf state's dispute with other Arab states.

The region of Galmudug issued a statement on Wednesday saying it stood with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in the regional row, following similar declarations last month by the regions of Puntland and Hirshabelle.

Somalia's federal government responded on Thursday by saying only it had the authority to speak on foreign affairs.

Qatar's emir addresses Gulf crisis at UN General Assembly


Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt cut political and trade ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism and their arch-foe Iran - charges that Qatar vehemently denies.

The spat about it in volatile but strategically located Somalia illustrated how far the political ripples from the Gulf dispute have spread.

Somalia's open stance is important for Qatar - Somalia's airspace remains open for Qatar Airways, a critical lifeline amid the blockade.

Arab Gulf states have meanwhile been pouring resources into the semi-autonomous regions.

"[The Arab states] are trying to give more energy and emphasise more their relations with these regional governments, trying to pressure them to go against the federal government," said Nairobi-based Somalia expert Ahmed Roble.

Somalia's position also underlines its delicate position - dependent on trade from Saudi Arabia, but increasing close to Turkey, which is backing Qatar in the dispute.

READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis: All the latest updates

Saudi Arabia is Somalia's top export partner, and the UAE supplies the horn of Africa country with key imports from electronics to building materials.

Turkey has poured in more than $1bn in aid since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Somalia in 2011 and is expected to open a military base in the capital Mogadishu this month.

"The cabinet reaffirms the federal government's decision in June ... that Somalia is neutral about the conflict of Gulf countries," read a statement issued by the office of Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.

The statement called on "the conflict be solved brotherly, peacefully and diplomatically".

Somalia chides regions for cutting ties with Qatar

Is all not well in the Ummah?

 

[RadaMillz]

Saudi Arabia and it's allies are trying their best to further destabilize Somalia by exploiting its historical clan distrust. They tried to unsuccessfully buy the new government earlier this year but to no avail. Dignity over dollar. It was shocking and embarrassing for the Saudis who always expected yessa massa from poor countries, specially one that just came out of a civil war.

Unfortunately the numerous clan based federal states within Somalia are breaking their necks and backs to secure the bag. They are willing to betray and ignore the federal government by accepting the demands of UAE and Saudis. They have been promised millions, port deals, and so on to cut ties with our real allies Turkey and Qatar (who btw always stood behind the people of Somalia with no strings attatched).

I want to say how this eventually plays out

 

[FAH1223]

Saudi Arabia and it's allies are trying their best to further destabilize Somalia by exploiting its historical clan distrust. They tried to unsuccessfully buy the new government earlier this year but to no avail. Dignity over dollar. It was shocking and embarrassing for the Saudis who always expected yessa massa from poor countries, specially one that just came out of a civil war.

Unfortunately the numerous clan based federal states within Somalia are breaking their necks and backs to secure the bag. They are willing to betray and ignore the federal government by accepting the demands of UAE and Saudis. They have been promised millions, port deals, and so on to cut ties with our real allies Turkey and Qatar (who btw always stood behind the people of Somalia with no strings attatched).

I want to say how this eventually plays out

Yup this is basically it.

I was talking to an uncle of mine who was dealing with the heads of some of these southern federal states who were aiming to meet with Mohammed bin Zayed to secure port deals and millions per month because the federal government in Mogadishu has remained neutral. I don't think the deal ever went through.

It's pretty disgusting but the UAE and Saudi know how desperate things are. And the UAE has already basically bought Berbera port with Dubai Port World. And the UAE is similarly desperate because they need to diversify their economy and they want a monopoly of port controls in the region. Turkey messed things up with them in Mogadishu and the Omanis aren't ever going to budge on their assets.

 

[FAH1223]

BTW @RadaMillz

Think it's Time to extend an olive branch to the rising Iran? This will put immense pressure on the Arabs and help open a large market

Khaire also met with the Russians in NYC at the UN.