Heads of state are arriving in Addis Ababa for the 2026 African Union Summit, with a water-focused theme centred on clim
![The African Union emblem depicting the African continent framed by sun rays is seen inside the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as leaders prepare to meet for an upcoming summit. [Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-1771008166.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
On Centre Stage, Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Hassan speaks with Ali Omar, Somalia’s minister of state for foreign affairs.
From proximity to Yemen’s Houthis to shared interests, recognition of region marks shift to unconventional alliances.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has backfired and reinforced Somalia’s territorial integrity.
![Somaliland Navy members participate in a parade to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024. [Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-06T161829Z_772251102_RC2US7AIG8TB_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-SOMALIA-SOMALILAND_cropped-1768400542.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says “external elements” are responsible for separatist divisions.
Annulment of UAE agreements marks a firm stand on sovereignty and national unity.
![Somali Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar sits for an interview with Al Jazeera English. [Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/somali_minister_state_foreign_affairs_ali_omar-1768318597.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Somali government minister Ali Omar says the UAE improperly used Somali airspace to smuggle a Yemeni separatist leader.
Somalia cuts UAE ties after Aidarous al-Zubaidi’s illegal entry through Somaliland, exposing federal divisions.
Somalia has cut all ties with the United Arab Emirates, due to what Somalia calls “harmful actions”.
Mogadishu accuses Abu Dhabi of undermining national unity as rift deepens over breakaway regions.
Defence minister says Somalia has ‘confirmed information’ that Israel plans to forcibly move Palestinians to Somaliland.
