Somalia is prepared to grant exclusive control of its strategic airbases and seaports to the United States. In a letter sent to U.S. President Donald Trump, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made this proposal, according to British news agency Reuters, which verified the document on Friday, March 28.
The letter, dated March 16, highlights that Balidogle Airbase, Bosaso Port, and Berbera Port and Airbase are strategic assets. A U.S. presence in these areas would enhance regional engagement and ensure uninterrupted military access, helping to counter adversaries in this crucial corridor.
If accepted, this proposal would strengthen U.S. military presence in the Horn of Africa, facilitating efforts to combat Islamist militant groups in Somalia and neighboring regions. However, Reuters was unable to obtain a response from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Information regarding the matter.
The move is likely to escalate tensions with Somaliland, as Berbera is located in a breakaway region that Somalia does not recognize as independent. Somalia strongly opposes Somaliland’s push for international recognition.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden criticized the proposal, questioning Somalia’s collaboration with the U.S. “Washington abandoned the corrupt state of Somalia long ago,” he said. He also stated that Somaliland has proven itself to be peaceful, stable, and democratic, and that the U.S. now prefers to negotiate directly with them regarding Berbera Port.