Mogadishu, March 29 (Reuters) – Somalia has proposed granting the United States exclusive control over key strategic air bases and ports, according to a letter from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to U.S. President Donald Trump, seen by Reuters on Friday.
The letter, dated March 16, was authenticated by a regional diplomat familiar with the matter. It details Somalia's willingness to offer the U.S. control of air bases in Balidogle and Berbera and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. Somalia’s foreign affairs and information ministries have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The proposal, if accepted, could significantly strengthen the U.S. military presence in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to countering Islamist militant threats.
"These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster American engagement in the region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor," the letter stated.
However, the inclusion of Berbera, located in the breakaway region of Somaliland, is likely to escalate tensions between Somalia and the semi-autonomous territory.
Reacting to the offer, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden dismissed Somalia’s proposal, emphasizing Somaliland’s independent status and its direct engagements with Washington.
"What cooperation? The USA gave up this corrupt regime called Somalia. The USA is now ready to deal with Somaliland, which has proven itself to be a peaceful, stable, and democratic nation," Aden told Reuters.
"The USA is not stupid. They know who they need to deal with when it comes to Berbera port," he added.
Somalia remains firmly opposed to any international recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
Strategic Importance of Key Locations
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Balidogle, located approximately 90 km (55 miles) northwest of Mogadishu, is a former Soviet-built airbase now used by U.S. forces for counterterrorism operations.
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Bosaso, in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland, serves as a crucial port for maritime trade and security operations.
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Berbera, a deep-water port in Somaliland, has attracted international interest, including from the UAE’s DP World, which operates the facility.
The U.S. has yet to officially respond to Somalia’s proposal.
Reporting by Ammu Kannampilly in Nairobi and Abdi Sheikh in Mogadishu; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Bate Felix and Sandra Maler
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