Somalia Offers US Control of Air Bases and Ports
The proposal is part of a broader effort by Somalia to maintain its territorial integrity and prevent the recognition of breakaway regions, while the US seeks to expand its influence and counter-terrorism capabilities in the region, with potential implications for the balance of power in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has proposed that the US take control of strategic air bases and ports in a bid to prevent Washington from recognizing breakaway regions in the country, offering exclusive operational control over key locations on the Gulf of Aden.
The offer, made in a letter to President Donald Trump, includes the Berbera port and airbase in Somaliland and the Bosaso port and airbase in Puntland, which are currently not under Somali government control. This move is seen as an attempt by Somalia to prevent the US from supporting Somaliland's bid for independence, which could lead to the loss of critical territory for the federal government.
The US has expressed interest in recognizing Somaliland, which could enable US intelligence to monitor the movement of weapons and Chinese activity in the region. However, Somalia fears that the US may cut ties with the federal government and focus on counter-terrorism operations from bases in Somaliland and Puntland, potentially undermining the country's sovereignty.
The offer is a significant development in the complex geopolitics of the region, highlighting the intricate relationships between Somalia, the US, and other international players. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the US will accept Somalia's proposal and what implications this may have for the region's stability and security.