Somalia’s Proposal Sparks Outrage in Somaliland
Somaliland has strongly condemned Somalia’s reported offer of the strategic Berbera port to the United States, dismissing it as a desperate move to undermine Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden denounced the offer, calling it a “suicidal operation” by Somalia’s federal government.
“This is a desperate and meaningless attempt by a corrupt regime in its final throes. There is nothing Mogadishu can do to stop Somaliland’s recognition,” Aden stated.
Documents Reveal Direct Offer to Trump–WAJ
WAJ has obtained documents suggesting that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud directly offered the Berbera port, along with air bases in Balidogle and ports in Bosaso, to U.S. President Donald Trump. The documents indicate that the proposal was delivered to the White House through Trump’s Faith Office representative and lobbying groups.
In his letter, Mohamud reportedly proposed exclusive operational access for the U.S. at key strategic locations, aiming to strengthen ties with Washington.
Somaliland’s Firm Response
Somaliland’s representative to the U.S., Ambassador Bashir Good, dismissed Mogadishu’s claims, emphasizing that Berbera is under Somaliland’s jurisdiction, not Somalia’s.
“Berbera is in a neighboring country—Somaliland—not Somalia,” Good stated. “U.S. law requires direct engagement with Somaliland, making a third party unnecessary.”
He further noted that Somaliland and the U.S. have been in discussions about Berbera’s development, with multiple visits from AFRICOM delegations assessing the port’s strategic value.
A Growing Geopolitical Flashpoint
Somalia has long insisted that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory, opposing any moves toward formal recognition. However, tensions have escalated amid increasing foreign interest in Somaliland’s strategic position on the Gulf of Aden.
Berbera, which already hosts a UAE-operated military facility and a DP World-managed commercial port, has attracted international attention, especially from Ethiopia and Taiwan.
While Somalia pushes for greater engagement with the U.S., Somaliland asserts that its sovereignty is non-negotiable, setting the stage for further diplomatic confrontations.