Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly offered the United States exclusive access to key air bases and ports in the country. The offer includes air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso, as outlined in a letter sent to President Donald Trump. This move is seen as a strategic opportunity for the US to strengthen its military presence in the Horn of Africa, particularly to combat the threat posed by Islamist militants in Somalia and the wider region.
The letter highlighted the significance of these assets in enhancing American engagement in the region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access, and preventing external competitors from establishing a foothold in the critical corridor. If accepted, this agreement could further solidify the US military foothold in the region.
However, the offer of access to the port and air base in Berbera, located in the breakaway Somaliland region, has raised concerns about escalating tensions between the Somali government and Somaliland. Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, dismissed the offer, suggesting that the US is more inclined to work directly with Somaliland rather than Somalia. He emphasized Somaliland’s peaceful, stable, and democratic nature, implying that it is a more suitable partner for the US in the region.
Somalia has consistently opposed efforts to grant Somaliland recognition as an independent nation, despite its declaration of independence over 30 years ago. The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have not formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state.
The offer of exclusive access to air bases and ports in Somalia represents a significant development in the region’s geopolitics, with potential implications for security and stability. It remains to be seen how the US will respond to Somalia’s offer and navigate the complex dynamics between Somalia and Somaliland.
