Somalia Grants U.S. Exclusive Access to Strategic Berbera Port in Somaliland

Things are heating up in the Horn of Africa! Somalia has recently hinted at a bold move to grant the U.S. exclusive control over its ports along the Gulf of Aden. This intriguing offer came to light through a letter that surfaced last week, reportedly penned by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and directed to President Donald Trump, dated March 16.

The letter states, “Somalia is ready to provide the U.S. with exclusive operational oversight of Balidogle and Berbera airbases, along with the Ports of Berbera and Bosaso.” These locations are crucial for enhancing American presence in this vital region, ensuring seamless military operations and logistical support.

Berbera and Bosaso have long been on the radar for global powers due to their prime positioning near the Red Sea’s entrance. The U.S. already maintains a naval base in Djibouti next door, which is set to expire in 2034 but can be extended for another decade.

This new proposal from Somalia could considerably broaden America’s influence in the Gulf of Aden as it currently leads efforts against Houthi threats targeting merchant vessels traversing Southern Red Sea waters.

However, some see this offer as a desperate attempt by Somalia to counteract growing recognition for somaliland’s independence aspirations. Earlier this month, reports emerged that Washington was exploring talks with Somaliland regarding potential recognition as an independent state—possibly trading that acknowledgment for rights to establish a military base near berbera Port.

Sparking further tension, Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Irro firmly rejected Somalia’s overtures during his recent address: “The leadership belongs solely to me and my people; no one can negotiate our territory,” he asserted.

The dynamics around these ports are complex: while Berbera is under Somaliland’s control, Bosaso falls under Puntland’s jurisdiction—another autonomous region within Somalia. Both ports are managed by DP world from the UAE, which