Somalia Offers U.S. Exclusive Control of Strategic Air Bases and Ports
Somalia has made a bold move to strengthen its military ties with the United States by offering exclusive control of key air bases and ports, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed in a letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A Strategic Power Play
The letter, dated March 16 and authenticated by a regional diplomat, proposes that the U.S. take control of air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as ports in Berbera and Bosaso. If accepted, this move could significantly bolster America’s military presence in the Horn of Africa, positioning it to counter militant threats in Somalia and across the 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 states.
Tensions with Somaliland
The offer, however, is already stirring controversy. Berbera, a key location in the proposal, lies within Somaliland—a self-declared independent region that Somalia still considers part of its territory. This development threatens to escalate tensions between the Somali government and Somaliland’s administration.
Somaliland’s foreign minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, dismissed the proposal, insisting that the U.S. should engage directly with Somaliland instead of Somalia.
“The USA gave up on this corrupt regime called Somalia. The USA is now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has proven to be a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation,” Aden told Reuters. “The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.”
Geopolitical Implications
Balidogle, located about 90 km (55 miles) northwest of Mogadishu, has been a key U.S. military training and drone operations site. Bosaso, in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, is also a strategic maritime hub. With growing regional rivalries and increasing competition for military influence, Somalia’s offer could reshape power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
However, with Somaliland rejecting Mogadishu’s authority over Berbera, the deal could lead to a diplomatic standoff. The United States will have to navigate the complex political landscape carefully before committing to any long-term military engagement.
Will the U.S. seize this opportunity, or will internal Somali divisions derail the plan? Stay tuned for more updates on Nairobian.
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Somalia Offers U.S. Exclusive Control of Strategic Air Bases and Ports