DP World Rejects Somalia Decision on Berbera Port

On 14 January 2026, Somali Dispatch reported that DP World rejected the Federal Government of Somalia's decision to annul all agreements signed with the UAE. The global port operator, based in the United Arab Emirates, affirmed that operations at Berbera Port will proceed normally and that Somalia's internal political conflict will not impact its activities, according to the report.

Somali Dispatch reported that the FGS announced it has nullified all agreements with the UAE, including those related to ports, security, and defence cooperation, accusing the UAE of violating Somalia's sovereignty and unity.

The report does not establish what has happened since DP World's reported rejection. It does not show whether the port's operations have been affected, whether the FGS has taken further action, or whether Somaliland has responded to the dispute. The article also does not provide the original DP World statement or the FGS nullification document, only the report's account of them.

Somali Dispatch reported that DP World said political decisions, intergovernmental discussions, and diplomatic stances should be left to the appropriate authorities, while the company remains focused on its commercial operations and port management.

Somali Dispatch reported that the Somali government, which does not recognize Somaliland, recently granted full recognition by Israel, has also opposed DP World's agreements for the ports of Bossaso and Kismayo, neither of which is under its direct control. Puntland and Jubaland Federal Member States separately opposed Mogadishu's decision to terminate their agreements with DP World, according to Somali Dispatch.

The report highlighted that the tension coincides with rising conflict in Yemen, involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and that the Somali government has launched an investigation into allegations that the UAE illegally transported a separatist leader from Yemen via Somalia.