Somalia has proposed granting the United States exclusive control over key air bases and ports in a strategic move to strengthen military cooperation, according to a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to President Donald Trump, as reported by Reuters.
The letter, dated March 16, details Somalia’s offer of control over Balidogle and Berbera air bases, along with the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. A regional diplomat confirmed the authenticity of the letter, though Somali foreign affairs and information ministers have yet to respond.
If accepted, this offer could significantly bolster the U.S. military’s presence in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to counterterrorism efforts against Islamist militants. The letter emphasized the strategic importance of these assets, stating, “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.”
However, the proposal is likely to fuel tensions, particularly concerning the port and air base in Berbera, which lies in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. The government of Somaliland, which seeks international recognition, opposes Somalia’s authority over its territory.
Abdirahman Dahir Aden, Somaliland’s foreign minister, dismissed Somalia’s offer, stating, “What cooperation? The USA gave up this corrupted regime called Somalia. The USA is now ready to deal with Somaliland, who has shown the world to be a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation.” He further asserted, “The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.”
This dispute underscores the long-standing conflict between Somalia and Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the international community. Any U.S. involvement in Berbera could exacerbate tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Balidogle, located approximately 90 km northwest of Mogadishu, has been a key site for U.S. counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab militants. Meanwhile, Bosaso, in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, serves as a vital commercial hub.
The U.S. has yet to respond officially to Somalia’s offer. However, if accepted, this arrangement could reshape security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, intensifying geopolitical rivalries while reinforcing America’s strategic presence in the region.
