Somalia Grants U.S. Access to Key Bases and Ports

Somalia Offers U.S. Exclusive Access to Strategic Bases and Ports

Somalia has expressed its willingness to grant the United States exclusive control over key airbases and seaports within its territory, according to a letter addressed to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In the letter dated March 16, confirmed by a regional diplomat familiar with the matter, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlined his government's readiness to provide the U.S. with access to several strategic locations. These include the Balidogle and Berbera airbases, along with the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.

Somali government officials, including those from the foreign affairs and information ministries, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The move could significantly strengthen America's military presence in the Horn of Africa, as it continues efforts to counter the persistent threat posed by Islamist militant groups operating within Somalia and the broader region.

“These resources, located in strategically vital areas, offer an opportunity to deepen U.S. engagement in the region, enabling unimpeded access to military support and supplies while limiting access by foreign competitors,” the letter stated.

However, the proposal raises potential geopolitical tensions. Berbera is situated in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which operates autonomously from Somalia’s central government. Including Berbera’s airbase and seaport in the offer could lead to renewed conflict between Somalia’s federal government and the Somaliland administration.

Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, responded critically to the move.

“What partnership? The U.S. had given up on this corrupt entity called Somalia. America is now ready to work with Somaliland, a nation that has proven to the world it is peaceful, stable, and democratic,” Aden told Reuters.

“The U.S. is not naïve. They know who they should be dealing with when it comes to Berbera Port,” he added.

The Somali government strongly opposes any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Balidogle Airbase is located approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu, while the Bosaso Port lies within Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia.