MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 17, 2026 —Somalia’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of attempting to establish an armed group in the Lower Shabelle region modeled on Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alleging that the effort is being carried out through a senior officer in the Somali Police Force. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, add to growing political tensions over security and foreign involvement in Somalia.
The accusations were made after Somali government officials alleged that the UAE was working through a senior Somali police officer to organize an armed faction in Lower Shabelle.
Speaking publicly, the Deputy Speaker identified Deputy Police Commissioner Abdalla Abdalla as the official allegedly involved.
“Abdalla Abdalla, acting on behalf of a foreign government, is creating a force in Lower Shabelle similar to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF),” the Deputy Speaker said.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the alleged objective of the group is to destabilize Somalia and undermine the country’s security and stability.
Neither the Deputy Speaker nor other government officials publicly presented evidence supporting the allegations.
The Somali federal government has also not released additional documentation or intelligence to substantiate the claims.
Government Response
The allegations represent one of the strongest public accusations by a senior Somali official regarding alleged foreign involvement in Somalia’s internal security affairs.
Government officials have argued that any attempt to establish armed groups outside the country’s official security institutions would threaten national stability and constitutional order.
Authorities have not announced any criminal investigation or legal action related to the allegations.
No Immediate Response from UAE
The United Arab Emirates has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Deputy Police Commissioner Abdalla Abdalla has also not issued a public statement addressing the accusations.
As of publication, neither side had commented on the claims or provided additional information.
Relations between Somalia and the UAE have experienced periods of both cooperation and political disagreement over recent years.
The UAE has been involved in Somalia through humanitarian assistance, infrastructure investment, development projects, and security cooperation. However, relations have also faced tensions over differing political approaches, regional security issues, and bilateral agreements.
Lower Shabelle remains one of Somalia’s most strategically significant regions because of its proximity to Mogadishu, its agricultural importance, and its longstanding security challenges. The region has experienced recurring conflict involving government forces, Al-Shabaab militants, and clan-based disputes.
The comparison made by the Deputy Speaker refers to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary organization that has played a central role in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The Deputy Speaker did not explain why he believed a similar structure was allegedly being planned in Somalia.
Current Situation
There is no independent confirmation that an RSF-like armed group is being formed in Lower Shabelle.
No security agencies have publicly announced arrests, investigations, or operational activity connected to the allegations.
Political observers say the accusations are likely to increase scrutiny of Somalia’s security institutions and relations with foreign partners as the federal government continues efforts to strengthen state security.
It remains unclear whether the Somali government will release evidence supporting the allegations or pursue formal legal or diplomatic action.
Analysts are expected to closely watch whether Somali authorities provide further details and whether the UAE responds through diplomatic channels.
The allegations may also prompt additional debate within Somalia’s political institutions over foreign involvement in national security and oversight of the country’s security forces.
The accusations are significant because they come from one of Somalia’s senior parliamentary leaders and involve claims of foreign interference in the country’s security sector. Although the allegations remain unverified, they have the potential to influence political debate and public confidence in state institutions.
Lower Shabelle is a strategically important region for Somalia’s security. Any allegations concerning the formation of unauthorized armed groups are likely to attract close attention from government institutions, regional stakeholders, and international partners involved in Somalia’s stabilization efforts.