# UAE influence and conflict in Africa > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uae-influence-and-conflict-in-africa > Updated: 2026-09-12T14:46:07.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces allegations of fueling instability and resource exploitation across Africa. Investigations suggest the UAE has utilized a regional network to recruit, transport, and train mercenaries in nations including Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. These activities are reportedly linked to securing commercial outlets and access to illicit gold trafficking, with the Swiss NGO Swissaid noting that approximately $30 billion in undeclared artisanal gold is exported annually from Africa to Dubai. Eritrean officials have criticized these actions as an aggressive offensive aimed at resource exploitation. This tension has evolved into accusations of “port imperialism,” with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh suggesting that the UAE’s expanding network of commercial ports and strategic facilities serves motives beyond economic interests. In Somalia, this geopolitical friction has caused significant political division. The Somali federal government terminated all security, defense, and port agreements with the UAE, accusing the nation of undermining sovereignty. However, regional administrations in Puntland, Jubaland, and Somaliland have rejected the federal decision, opting to maintain cooperation with the UAE and its port operators, such as DP World. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Eritrea accuses UAE of pursuing “port imperialism” in Africa Eritrea’s Foreign Minister has accused the UAE of “port imperialism” in Africa, questioning the strategic motives behind its expanding maritime infrastructure in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eritrea-accuses-uae-of-pursuing-port-imperialism-in-africa ### 2026-08-16: United Arab Emirates accused of fueling African conflict A Financial Times investigation reveals the UAE's role in destabilizing African nations through mercenary networks, military support, and illicit gold trafficking to secure post-oil resources. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-arab-emirates-accused-of-fueling-african-conflict --- Cite as: UAE influence and conflict in Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uae-influence-and-conflict-in-africa