Hargeisa (SLpost)- Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has offered foreign powers, including Israel and the United States, access to military bases at the strategic port of Berbera as part of his government’s effort to strengthen Somaliland’s position in the Red Sea and secure wider international recognition.
Speaking to The Economist, President Irro presented Somaliland as a potential security partner in the Red Sea, where attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement have disrupted maritime shipping. He said Somaliland could provide coastal facilities for international military operations aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and regional security.
Berbera’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden has increased its importance as Somaliland seeks to expand its role in regional trade and security. Irro also sees greater use of Berbera as a way to attract Ethiopian trade away from Djibouti and strengthen Somaliland’s economic position.
The proposal comes as Somaliland seeks to build on Israel’s recognition and pursue broader international diplomatic support.
The Somaliland president is also seeking to attract Ethiopian trade through Berbera and position the port as a major commercial gateway for the Horn of Africa. The combination of port access, security cooperation and diplomatic engagement forms part of his government’s broader effort to gain international support for Somaliland’s recognition.
The proposal comes as Somaliland president prepares for a planned visit to Washington next month. Irro has expressed hope of meeting U.S. President Donald Trump during the visit, making closer engagement with Washington a key element of his diplomatic strategy.
The planned Washington visit could therefore become an important moment for Somaliland’s foreign policy, particularly as Irro seeks closer relations with the United States while offering Berbera as a strategic partner in Red Sea security.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
