Somalia offers U.S. exclusive control over key air bases and ports

Somalia offers exclusive access to air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as ports in Berbera and Bosaso to the United States.
The offer aims to strengthen the United States' military presence in the Horn of Africa and counter the threat posed by Islamist militants.
The offer could escalate tensions between Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Somalia is ready to grant the United States exclusive access to key air bases and ports, according to a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to President Donald Trump.

The letter, verified by a regional diplomat familiar with the matter, outlined Somalia’s offer, which includes air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, along with the ports of Berbera and Bosaso, Reuters reported.

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If accepted, the offer could strengthen the United States' military foothold in the Horn of Africa, enhancing its ability to counter the threat posed by Islamist militants in Somalia and the wider region.

"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 said.

Tensions with Somaliland

Berbera is located in the breakaway Somaliland region, meaning Somalia’s offer of the port and air base there could escalate tensions between the Somali government and Somaliland.

Reacting to the development, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden dismissed the offer, asserting that the U.S. is more inclined to work directly with Somaliland rather than Somalia.

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"What cooperation? The USA gave up this corrupted regime called Somalia. The USA is now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has shown the world it is a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation," Aden said.

He further stated, "The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port."

Somalia has consistently resisted efforts to grant Somaliland recognition as an independent nation. Although Somaliland declared independence over 30 years ago, it remains unrecognized by both the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).