In an Eid al-Fitr address delivered on Saturday evening, Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro criticized Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for allegedly destabilizing the region by asserting claims over the Berbera airbase and airport—territories under Somaliland’s administration.
President Irro urged the international community to disregard President Mohamud’s remarks, questioning his ability to secure Mogadishu amid ongoing security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab.
This criticism follows Somalia’s proposal to offer the United States exclusive control over strategic air bases and ports, including those in Berbera, as outlined in a letter from President Mohamud to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The assets mentioned encompass air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, as well as the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
This move has heightened tensions, as Somaliland views such offers as encroachments on its sovereignty.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Aden, emphasized that the U.S. prefers to engage directly with Somaliland due to its stability and democratic governance.
Furthermore, President Irro highlighted ongoing disputes over airspace control.
He noted that despite agreements for joint management, Somalia unilaterally claimed a significant portion of the airspace and its revenues, leading Somaliland to assume control over its northern sector’s airspace.
These developments underscore the complex dynamics in the Horn of Africa, as Somaliland continues to assert its autonomy and seeks international recognition amid Somalia’s central government’s efforts to consolidate control over the region.