The Somali government has formally extended an offer to the United States, proposing exclusive access to key military air bases and strategic seaports across the country—a move that could significantly reshape American military engagement in the Horn of Africa.
In a letter addressed to former U.S. President Donald Trump and verified by a regional diplomat, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlined his administration’s willingness to hand over exclusive rights to American forces at air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as access to the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
“These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster American engagement in the region,” the letter reportedly stated, adding that such a move would ensure “uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor.”
If accepted, the offer would deepen U.S. involvement in Somalia at a time when extremist threats from groups like al-Shabaab continue to destabilize the region. The Balidogle air base, already used by U.S. forces for counterterrorism operations, could become an even more significant launchpad for regional military activities.
But perhaps the most politically sensitive part of the offer lies in Berbera—a city in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. While Somalia includes Berbera in its proposal, Somaliland sees the territory as sovereign and under its full jurisdiction.
Somaliland Pushes Back
The Somali government’s decision has reignited longstanding tensions with Somaliland, which has operated as a de facto independent state for over three decades despite lacking international recognition.
Speaking on the matter, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, was blunt in his response.
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“What cooperation? The USA gave up this corrupted regime called Somalia. The USA is now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has shown the world it is a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation,” Aden said. “The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.”
Berbera already hosts a UAE-backed military and commercial port operation, and observers believe the U.S. may prefer a direct partnership with Somaliland, bypassing the diplomatic complexities of dealing with Mogadishu.
Somalia’s latest move may be part of a broader strategy to reclaim authority over Somaliland by reasserting federal control through international partnerships. But the timing and nature of this offer could backfire, risking further alienation from the northern territory.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite holding its own elections, maintaining relative stability, and operating autonomous institutions, it remains unrecognized by the African Union and the United Nations.
Somalia, on its part, has consistently opposed any formal recognition of Somaliland, insisting on a unified national territory.
U.S. Yet to Respond
As of now, Washington has not publicly commented on the offer. However, analysts suggest that the U.S. could weigh its options carefully, especially given the geopolitical competition from China, the UAE, and other actors with growing interests in the Horn of Africa.
For many, this situation underscores the fragile dynamics in the region—where diplomatic recognition, military positioning, and national sovereignty continue to collide in complex and often unpredictable ways.
