MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government has agreed to allow the United Arab Emirates to withdraw its remaining personnel and military equipment from Mogadishu without inspection, following mediation by Ethiopia. Under the arrangement, four aircraft belonging to the Ethiopian government were authorised to conduct the withdrawal. Two of the planes were designated to transport Emirati embassy staff and foreign workers, while the remaining aircraft were assigned to carry military weapons and equipment. On Wednesday, Somalia’s federal government rejected a request for Ethiopian aircraft to airlift Emirati military equipment after Abu Dhabi insisted on direct withdrawal procedures without searches. The first flight carrying UAE military equipment departed Mogadishu on Thursday afternoon, with a second flight expected to follow within hours.

Source: Ethiopian News January 15, 2026 15:04 UTC