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Somaliland Refutes Somalia’s Offer to Grant US Control Over Berbera Port and Airbase
HARGEISA, Somaliland – The self-declared republic of Somaliland has dismissed an attempt by Somalia’s central government to grant the United States exclusive authority over the port and airbase in Berbera. This strategic infrastructure, situated along the Gulf of Aden on Somaliland’s northern coastline, is at the heart of a diplomatic dispute. Somaliland, which asserted its independence in 1991 amidst Somalia’s civil conflict, insists that Mogadishu lacks the jurisdiction to offer control of these facilities.
Rejection Letter to Washington
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a letter addressed to then-US President Donald Trump, proposed granting the US control over Berbera port and airbase, alongside other locations within Somalia. According to a Reuters report, the letter argued that these concessions would strengthen US security operations across the region.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Condemns “Desperate” Act
Abdirahman Dahir Aden, Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, denounced the Somali government’s proposition as “desperate.”
Hopes for US Recognition
Prior to the commencement of Trump’s second presidential term, signals emerged that fueled anticipation within Somaliland. There was optimism that the United States might become the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty. The region has operated as a de facto independent state for approximately 34 years.
Minister Aden’s Statement on Recognition and Berbera Port
Responding via social media platform X to the letter from Somalia, Mr. Aden asserted, “There is nothing they can do to stop the upcoming recognition of Somaliland.”
He further emphasized Somaliland’s control over Berbera Port. The rapidly developing Berbera port is currently managed by DP World, a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a significant ally of the United States.
Strategic Importance of Berbera
Speaking to Reuters, the minister stated, “The USA is not unintelligent. They understand who they must engage with regarding Berbera port.” This underscores Somaliland’s confidence in its position concerning international agreements and the strategic importance of Berbera.
US Role in Somalia and Regional Security
The United States has historically played a crucial role in assisting Somalia in its fight against Islamist militants, including groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This support has included intelligence sharing and conducting air strikes.
Al-Shabab, an extremist group controlling substantial portions of southern and central Somalia, is considered al-Qaeda’s most potent affiliate.
Concerns Over Shifting US Policy
Analysts suggest that Mogadishu harbors concerns that a Trump administration might curtail US assistance, mirroring policies enacted during his previous term in office.
In December, seeking to bolster its relationship with Washington, the Somali government entered into a $600,000 annual contract with a prominent Washington-based lobbying firm to provide counsel on US-Somalia relations.
Somalia’s Offer to Counter Regional Rivals
The letter to Trump, reportedly dated March 16, detailed how granting exclusive control of the airbases and ports could enable the US to counter the growing influence of other global actors in the Horn of Africa. This was widely understood to be a reference to China and Russia.
Strategic Assets and Regional Engagement
The letter elaborated, “These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to enhance American engagement in the region… while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor.”
Federal Structure Challenges
President Mohamud’s offer may face obstacles due to Somalia’s federal structure. The proposed port of Bosaso is situated within the semi-autonomous north-eastern region of Puntland.
Officials in Puntland have not yet issued any public statements regarding the letter. However, Garowe Online, a Somalia-based news outlet, indicates that offering Bosaso without consulting Puntland could further deteriorate relations between Puntland and Mogadishu.
Baledogle Airbase
The second airbase mentioned in the offer is located in Baledogle, north-west of Somalia’s capital. US military personnel are already stationed at Baledogle, where they are involved in training Somali forces in counter-terrorism operations against al-Shabab.
Historical Context: Port Disputes in Somaliland
This is not the first instance where a port in Somaliland has become a point of contention.
In the preceding year, Turkey intervened to mediate a dispute that threatened regional escalation. This followed landlocked Ethiopia’s signing of a maritime agreement with Somaliland to construct a port.
Somalia reacted to the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement by labeling it an “act of aggression,” reiterating its stance that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somali territory.