Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Federal Government of Somalia has proposed granting the United States access to manage key Somali ports—Mogadishu, Berbera, and Kismayo—as part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Washington and prevent international recognition of Somaliland.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, also known as Ali Balcad, confirmed the offer during an interview on TRT World’s One on One program. He stated that Somalia is seeking to renew a Cold War-era agreement with the U.S. that allowed American forces to use Somali ports and the military airport in Berbera.
“We’ve asked the United States to renew the agreement regarding the use of the three ports. If they need access to others, they’re welcome to use them. It’s part of our strategy to deepen relations with the U.S., which is crucial in our fight against Al-Shabaab,” said Ali Balcad.
Reports in American media recently revealed that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sent a letter to former President Donald Trump, asking the U.S. to assume control of operations at the Berbera and Bosaso ports and airports—instead of recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.
However, Somalia currently does not have administrative control over two of the three ports mentioned. Berbera lies within Somaliland, a self-declared republic that has functioned independently for 34 years, while Kismayo is part of the semi-autonomous Jubbaland region, which has a strained relationship with the federal government.
The U.S. government has not officially responded to the Somali proposal. J. Peter Pham, former U.S. Special Envoy for the Sahel and Great Lakes regions of Africa and a close Trump ally, expressed skepticism about Somalia’s ability to deliver on such promises, citing the country’s lack of control over the proposed ports.
Meanwhile, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi ‘Irro’ told The New York Times that Donald Trump, with his business-oriented mindset, is someone they believe they can negotiate with. Irro described a potential Trump re-election as Somaliland’s best chance at gaining formal U.S. recognition, even hinting at offering a military base in exchange.
This geopolitical maneuvering underscores the rising strategic significance of the Horn of Africa, as both Somalia and Somaliland seek U.S. favor to advance their competing national agendas.