MOGADISHU- Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble travels to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, weeks after announcing that his government will enhance their relations with the UAE.

PM Mohamed Rooble’s trip comes at a time of election turmoil and a bitter feud between him and President Farmajo.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the country’s most involved and interested in Somalia’s election. PM Rooble has recently denied any allegations of the UAE having personal interests in the Somalia elections.

Roble apologized to the UAE for the money seized by the Somali intelligence at Mogadishu airport in April 2018, promising to return the money to the UAE.

President Farmajo kiboshed the PM efforts in returning the money to the UAE.

Meanwhile, other sources say that the UAE has summoned the presidents of Puntland and Jubbaland who are said to be part of Rooble’s trip to Dubai. The UAE has good relations with both Puntland and Jubbaland governments, and they have been assisting them with projects such as training its troops.

Somali political analysts believe the UAE is trying to influence Somalia’s elections in the hope to oust President Farmajo.