Image Raises Questions Over UAE Compliance With Somalia Orders and Possible Regional Links
By Abdiasis Farah Said
Bosaso, Puntland — Brown Land News has obtained an image showing an individual identified by sources as a Colombian contractor inside the Bosaso airport in northeastern Somalia, raising fresh questions about the continued presence of United Arab Emirates (UAE)-linked operations despite Somalia’s directive to end foreign military activity. According to Brown Land News sources, the image indicates that foreign contractors remain active at a UAE-associated facility in Bosaso. This comes months after Somalia’s federal government withdrew military agreements with the United Arab Emirates and ordered the closure of its military installations and withdrawal of personnel. Brown Land News assesses that the continued presence of such personnel may suggest non-compliance with Somalia’s orders. Sources further allege that Bosaso airport could still be used for logistical operations linked to external conflicts, including the ongoing war in Sudan. Some observers have pointed to previous reports of Colombian fighters participating in conflicts involving Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), arguing that the reported presence of Colombian contractors in Bosaso raises concerns about a possible connection. Analysts and sources speaking to Brown Land News say the reported developments underscore the need for closer monitoring of activities at Bosaso airport. They suggest that Somalia’s federal government, along with regional partners including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Sudan, may seek greater transparency regarding foreign-linked operations in Bosaso. According to these perspectives, ensuring clarity over the use of strategic infrastructure such as Bosaso airport is important for maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty and avoiding potential entanglement in wider regional conflicts.
