The African country offered the United States control of the Berbera and Balidogle bases, which are key for the nation
Instead, he argued that the United States should deal directly with Somaliland, which presents itself as a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation, in contrast to the situation in the rest of Somalia.
According to Aden, the United States is not "stupid" and would know whom to address regarding the port of Berbera.
In a letter dated March 16, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, offered the United States exclusive control of several strategic airbases and ports in his country, including the airbases of Balidogle and Berbera, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
This offer, authenticated by a regional diplomat, was addressed to President Donald Trump and is presented as an opportunity to strengthen the U.S. military presence in the Horn of Africa region, aiming to counter the threat of Islamist activists both in Somalia and the surrounding region.
President Mohamud highlighted that these strategically located assets would offer the United States an opportunity to increase its military and logistical presence in a crucial region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access, while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this vital corridor.
This offer highlights the strategic value of the bases and ports, which could play an essential role in the fight against extremist organizations operating in the area, such as Al-Shabaab.
However, the offer has also sparked internal tensions, as Berbera, one of the mentioned ports and airbases, is located in Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia that has declared de facto independence, but is not internationally recognized as a sovereign state.
This fact has caused strong opposition from Somali authorities, who see any recognition of Somaliland as a challenge to Somalia's territorial integrity. In fact, the Somali government rejects any attempt at international recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Meanwhile, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, Somaliland's Foreign Minister, criticized the offer, suggesting that the United States no longer has an interest in supporting the Somali government, which he described as corrupt.
Balidogle, the other airbase included in the offer, is located about 90 km northwest of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Bosaso, the third asset mentioned in the letter, is located in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in the northeast of the country.
These bases and ports could be crucial for U.S. military operations in the region, especially in its fight against Al-Shabaab and other militant factions operating in the area.
The proposal reflects a strategic shift in relations between Somalia and the United States, as it seeks to secure a greater U.S. military presence in the Horn of Africa, a region that has been key in the fight against Islamist terrorism.
However, the focus on Berbera, located in Somaliland, creates uncertainty and could exacerbate tensions with the autonomous region, which has already shown a willingness to negotiate directly with other nations and international actors, including the United States.
