The de facto state of Somaliland has firmly rejected the Somali government’s proposal to offer the United States exclusive control over the port and military airfield at Berbera. Strategically situated along the Gulf of Aden, Berbera lies on Somaliland’s northern coast.

Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 during Somalia’s civil war, asserted that its institutions are not subject to control or contributions from Mogadishu. According to a letter reportedly sent by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to U.S. President Donald Trump on March 16, 2025, Reuters cited the document as detailing options for military bases and ports that the U.S. could monopolize.

According to a Reuters report, President Mohamud proposed granting the United States exclusive control over the Balidogle and Berbera military bases, along with the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. The letter reportedly highlighted that these arrangements would enhance U.S. security operations in the region. In response, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, dismissed the proposal as a ‘desperate’ move, asserting, ‘There is nothing they can do to stop the recognition of Somaliland.’ He shared his remarks on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Berbera Port, which is operated by DP World—a company owned by the United Arab Emirates, a close ally of the United States—has recently undergone significant expansion. In an interview with Reuters, Minister Adan remarked, “America is not stupid; They knows who they need to deal when it comes to Berbera port.”

The Somali President’s proposal is reportedly designed to give the United States a strategic edge in the region against competitors such as China and Russia. “These strategically positioned assets provide an opportunity to bolster U.S. engagement in the region, ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing presence in this critical corridor,” Reuters quoted from the letter.

Balidogle is located 90 kilometers northwest of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, while Bosaso Port is situated in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland. Analysts predict that the Puntland administration may also reject the federal government’s proposal.

Puntland officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the letter. However, local news outlet Garowe Online reported that the Somali government sent the letter to the United States without consulting Puntland authorities. This lack of consultation is expected to exacerbate tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu.