Mogadishu, SOMALIA – President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly written a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, offering exclusive control over key strategic assets in Somalia. The offer includes the ports of Berbera and Bosaso, as well as the airbases of Baledogle and Berbera, in exchange for increased American engagement in the region. However, this gesture appears to be more of a symbolic attempt to assert sovereignty over territories that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) does not effectively control, rather than a genuine offer of cooperation.
The Deteriorating Security Situation in Southern Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to reach out to the United States comes amidst a rapidly deteriorating security situation in southern Somalia. The FGS has been losing ground in its war against the Al-Shabab militant group, with the government’s control extending little beyond the capital city of Mogadishu. Al-Shabab has successfully carried out a series of high-profile attacks and territorial gains, exposing the weakness of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the ineffectiveness of the government’s counter-insurgency efforts.
The inability of the FGS to provide security and basic services has led to growing disillusionment among the Somali population. Many regions have turned to local clan-based militias for protection, further undermining the legitimacy and authority of the central government. The situation has been exacerbated by reports of corruption, human rights abuses, and the lack of political inclusivity, which have eroded public trust in the government.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has long sought international recognition as a sovereign state. The region has established its own government, currency, and security forces, and has been out of Mogadishu’s control for decades.
Similarly, Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, has also refused to recognize the new constitution of 31 March 2024, withdrawing its recognition of the FGS. Puntland has accused the FGS of failing to consult with regional stakeholders and of attempting to centralize power at the expense of the federal member states. The region has a history of tension with the central government and has often acted independently in matters of security and governance.
The Offered Assets
The assets offered by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the United States are indeed strategically significant. The ports of Berbera and Bosaso are vital for maritime trade and security in the region. The Berbera port, in particular, has been the subject of international interest, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ethiopia both investing in its development as a regional trade hub.
The airbases of Baledogle and Berbera are also of critical importance. Baledogle, located in the Lower Shabelle region, has been used by U.S. forces to conduct drone strikes against Al-Shabab targets and to train Somali special forces. The base has been a key asset in the fight against the militant group and has been the target of several attacks in recent years.
The Berbera airbase, located in Somaliland, has also been of interest to foreign powers. The UAE has helped in the refurbishment of the base as part of its military presence in the region, and there have been reports of U.S. interest in the facility as well. The base’s location, close to the Bab el-Mandeb strait, makes it a valuable asset for monitoring maritime traffic and responding to potential threats.
