Written By Faith Mwende
Somalia has expressed willingness to grant the United States exclusive control over strategic air bases and ports, according to a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to former U.S. President Donald Trump, as seen by Reuters on Friday.
The letter, dated March 16 and verified by a regional diplomat, reportedly offers the U.S. access to air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. The move, if accepted, could strengthen Washington’s military foothold in the Horn of Africa, countering the threat posed by Islamist militants in Somalia and the wider region.
However, the inclusion of Berbera, located in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, could escalate tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the Somaliland administration. Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden dismissed the offer, stating that the U.S. is more inclined to work with Somaliland, given its stability and governance record.
“What cooperation? The USA gave up this corrupt regime called Somalia. The USA is now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has proven itself to be peaceful, stable, and democratic,” Aden told Reuters. He further asserted that “the USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.”
While Somalia remains firm in its stance against Somaliland’s push for independence, this latest development could put the two sides on a collision course.
Balidogle, situated about 90 km northwest of Mogadishu, serves as a key military facility, while Bosaso, in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, is a vital maritime hub.
“These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster American engagement in the region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor,” the letter reportedly stated.
As of now, Somalia’s foreign affairs and information ministers have not issued official comments on the matter.
