Somaliland May Host US Military Base, Says Official

A Somaliland official has revealed discussions about the potential establishment of a US military base in the region, highlighting strategic and security implications for both parties.

Bashir Goth, the representative of Somaliland in Washington, announced in an interview with TASS published on Thursday that Somaliland is prepared to accommodate a US military base at the port of Berbera.

According to the source, the envoy refuted claims that Somaliland’s decision would depend on whether Washington recognizes the breakaway republic’s independence from Somalia.

Goth reportedly stated, “Somaliland would be prepared to host a US military base in Berbera if it aligns with the shared interests of both our nations.”

In 1991, following a decade-long civil war and the overthrow of Somali military ruler Siad Barre, Somaliland proclaimed its independence from Somalia. Although it is not recognized internationally as an independent nation, this region along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden has developed its own government system, security frameworks, and currency since then. Nevertheless, Somalia continues to consider Somaliland as part of its territory.

Earlier this year, the de facto independent state reached a significant agreement with Ethiopia to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline for commercial use and establish a marine base. In return, Somaliland sought recognition as an independent country. This deal has since intensified tensions with Somalia, which accuses Ethiopia of aggression and undermining Somali territorial integrity through what it terms the “illegal” Red Sea access pact.

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Officials in Mogadishu have cautioned that they are ready to engage in conflict if their East African neighbor supports Somaliland’s claims for sovereignty. In October, the Somali government labeled an Ethiopian diplomat as persona non grata and demanded his departure within 72 hours on grounds of “activities incompatible with his diplomatic role.” Prior actions included expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador from Mogadishu and warning about the potential removal of thousands of Ethiopian troops battling Al-Shabaab—a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda—should a maritime agreement not be nullified.

In an interview with TASS, Goth downplayed any potential negative impacts on relations with Mogadishu if the United States, under President-elect Donald Trump, were to acknowledge Somaliland’s autonomy.

“We see ourselves as an independent and sovereign state, so any partnership we establish with friendly countries is considered solely through the lens of our national interests,” the diplomat conveyed to TASS.

The self-declared republic is optimistic that Trump will back its statehood efforts when he assumes the White House in January. Analysts mentioned by Semafor Africa news agency suggest this initiative could enable Washington to set up long-term intelligence operations, aimed at tracking weapons movement in an unstable region and monitoring China’s activities, given their permanent military base in neighboring Djibouti.