Somalia has put forward a proposal to grant the United States “exclusive control” over key air bases and ports in a move that could reshape the strategic landscape of the Horn of Africa.
A letter dated March 16, addressed from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to U.S. President Donald Trump, outlines the offer, which includes the Balidogle and Berbera air bases as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
This development, first reported by Reuters, has stirred regional and international discussions over its geopolitical ramifications.
Strategic Assets for U.S. Military and Logistics
According to the letter, which has been authenticated by a regional diplomat, the Somali government views the agreement as a means to “bolster American engagement in the region.”
The document underscores the strategic positioning of the facilities, highlighting their role in ensuring “uninterrupted military and logistical access” for the U.S. while simultaneously preventing external competitors from gaining influence in the region.
If accepted, the agreement would significantly expand Washington’s military and logistical footprint in the Horn of Africa, reinforcing existing counterterrorism operations and securing vital maritime routes.
The Balidogle air base, for instance, has previously been used by U.S. forces for counterterrorism training and drone operations targeting the al-Shabaab militant group.
Meanwhile, the Berbera and Bosaso ports are key maritime assets with access to critical global shipping lanes.
Diplomatic Repercussions and Regional Tensions
The proposal has not been without controversy. One of the most contentious aspects of the offer is the inclusion of Berbera, a port located in Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia still claims as part of its sovereign territory.
The inclusion of Berbera has sparked a sharp rebuke from Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, who dismissed the proposal as illegitimate and politically unfeasible.
“The USA gave up this corrupted regime called Somalia,” Aden stated, asserting that Washington has increasingly recognized Somaliland as a “peaceful, stable, and democratic nation.” He further remarked, “The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port.”
Somaliland has long sought international recognition as an independent state and has separately courted U.S. and Western support, positioning itself as a stable partner in an otherwise volatile region.
The Somali government’s attempt to include Berbera in the agreement without Somaliland’s consent could heighten tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, potentially destabilizing efforts to mediate between the two governments.
U.S. Strategic Considerations
For the United States, the Somali proposal presents both opportunities and challenges.
The strategic benefits of securing exclusive access to these military and logistical hubs are clear—particularly at a time when global military competition is intensifying, and China has increased its presence in Africa, including through a military base in Djibouti.
However, Washington must also consider the diplomatic fallout from engaging with Somalia on such terms, particularly given the reaction from Somaliland.
A decision to proceed with the deal as proposed could be seen as an endorsement of Mogadishu’s claims over Somaliland, potentially complicating U.S. relations with a region that has proven to be a reliable partner in counterterrorism efforts.
The Road Ahead
As of now, Somalia’s foreign affairs and information ministries have not publicly commented on the matter, leaving uncertainty over how the Somali government plans to navigate the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding its offer. The United States, on its part, has yet to issue an official response to the proposal.
If the agreement proceeds, it would mark a significant shift in U.S. military engagement in the region and could alter power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
Conversely, if Washington hesitates or rejects the offer, Somalia may seek alternative partnerships, potentially opening the door for other global players to strengthen their foothold in the region.
In the coming weeks, diplomatic maneuvers from both Washington and Mogadishu will determine the fate of this proposal, shaping the strategic and geopolitical calculus of one of the world’s most contested maritime corridors.
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