Somalia proposes granting the U.S. exclusive control over key air bases and ports to boost counterterrorism efforts and regional security in the Horn of Africa.]
Somalia has proposed granting the United States exclusive control over strategic air bases and ports, a move aimed at enhancing military collaboration and counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa.
In a letter dated March 16, 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlined the offer to U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting assets such as the Balidogle and Berbera air bases, along with the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
Strategic Assets Offered
The Balidogle Airfield, located approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu, is Somalia’s largest military air base. Constructed in the 1970s with Soviet assistance and later modernized by the United States, Balidogle has been pivotal in various military operations. The port city of Berbera, situated along the Red Sea in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, offers significant strategic value due to its proximity to key maritime routes. Similarly, the port of Bosaso in Puntland serves as a crucial hub for trade and maritime activities in the region.
Potential Implications for U.S. Military Presence
Should the United States accept Somalia’s offer, it would bolster its military footprint in the Horn of Africa, providing enhanced capabilities to counter Islamist militant groups such as al-Shabaab and the Islamic State. The control of these strategic locations would facilitate rapid deployment and logistical support for operations across the region. This proposal aligns with recent U.S. initiatives, including the construction of five well-equipped military bases for the Somali National
Regional Tensions and Sovereignty Concerns
The inclusion of Berbera in the offer introduces complexities, given its location in Somaliland—a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally. Somaliland’s foreign minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, emphasised that the U.S. prefers direct engagement with Somaliland due to its stability and democratic governance. This situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential challenges in implementing such agreements without exacerbating existing tensions.
As discussions progress, the international community will closely monitor the developments and their implications for regional stability, sovereignty issues, and the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
