The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly pressuring Puntland authorities to take control of Laasqoray, a strategic coastal town.
The move aims to prevent the emerging SSC-Khaatumo administration from building a new port there and consolidating power in Sanaag region.
According to sources who spoke to Mareeg online, UAE requested Puntland deploy its UAE-financed Maritime Police Force (PMPF) to Laasqoray immediately.
This effort is meant to thwart SSC-Khaatumo’s plans to establish a port challenging the UAE’s significant regional economic interests.
Abu Dhabi sees SSC-Khaatumo’s initiative as a threat to its investments in Berbera and Bosaso ports, which it currently funds.
The UAE manages and works to expand these ports, where it has invested millions in infrastructure and operational control.
Analysts warn a new port in Laasqoray could weaken the strategic and commercial value of Berbera and Bosaso significantly.
Copies of agreements between the UAE, Puntland, and Somaliland reportedly include clauses prohibiting new ports near Berbera and Bosaso ports.
This isn’t the first UAE attempt to block new maritime infrastructure development in Somalia’s strategically important port cities.
Sources say Abu Dhabi pressured Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni to halt Garacad port construction in Mudug previously.
That attempt failed after influential Mudug businessmen backing Garacad resisted UAE demands and allowed the project to proceed despite pressure.
The UAE continues efforts to gain control of Garacad port despite no formal agreement having been signed yet.
The UAE’s latest push in Laasqoray shows Somalia’s high-stakes port politics and competition with Gulf states’ regional ambitions.
New administrations and local investors increasingly challenge the Gulf state’s dominance over some of the region’s most lucrative maritime gateways.
