Somalia Offers U.S. Exclusive Control Over Strategic Bases, Ports

Somalia has offered the United States exclusive control over key air bases and ports, according to a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to former U.S. President Donald Trump, seen by Reuters on Friday.

Dated March 16, the letter—authenticated by a regional diplomat—proposes granting the U.S. access to air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. Somalia’s foreign affairs and information ministries have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The offer could strengthen the U.S. military presence in the Horn of Africa as it seeks to counter Islamist militants in Somalia and the broader region. “These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster American engagement, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor,” the letter stated.

However, the inclusion of Berbera—located in the breakaway Somaliland region—could heighten tensions between Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden dismissed the offer, arguing that the U.S. would rather engage directly with Somaliland.

“The U.S. gave up on this corrupt regime called Somalia. The U.S. is now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has shown the world it is peaceful, stable, and democratic,” .
“The U.S. is not stupid. They know who to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.”

Somalia strongly opposes any recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Balidogle, located about 90 km (55 miles) northwest of Mogadishu, and Bosaso, in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, are also part of the proposed agreement.

Reuters/Patience Ameh