BOSASO AND THE UAE BASE AT THE CENTER OF SHIFTING HORN OF AFRICA POWER STRUGGLES

According to Jawar Mohammed, a prominent opposition leader from Ethiopia, recent developments in Somalia point to a major shift in regional power dynamics, Brown Land News reports. He states that Abdulaziz Laftagareen, the governor of Southwest Somalia who had backing from Ethiopian forces, was defeated by federal forces aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reportedly supported by Egypt and Turkey, leading to his resignation despite earlier diplomatic reassurances made in Addis Ababa.
Jawar notes that the strategic city of Baidoa has now moved out of Ethiopian influence after two decades, with expectations that Egypt and Turkey may fill that space. He also highlights evolving dynamics in Puntland, where shifting alliances are becoming increasingly visible.
Importantly, he claims that the United Arab Emirates, which had been working with Ethiopia in Puntland, has been compelled to scale back its presence, specifically mentioning the withdrawal of a drone and intelligence (spy) base from the port city of Bosaso. This move, according to Jawar, came under pressure from Saudi Arabia in recent months.
Overall, Jawar frames these events as a turning point in the Horn of Africa, with influence being actively contested and redefined among regional and international actors.