Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro offered the United States economic and investment opportunities, along with potential security cooperation, as part of efforts to secure US recognition for the territory over which Mogadishu claims sovereignty.
In an interview in Washington, Irro said his administration was ready to offer its facilities and resources under arrangements delivering mutual benefits. He left open the possibility of establishing a US base in the future, saying any such agreement would depend on what Somaliland received in return, including stronger security and support for its forces.
Berbera Port in US Calculations
Hargeisa is counting on Berbera port, overlooking the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, presenting its location as a potential hub for logistics, resupply and military operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The proposals also include the free zone, coastline, fisheries and potential oil, gas and mineral resources.
Mogadishu’s Opposition Constrains Sovereignty Arrangements
Irro believes US recognition could encourage other countries to take a similar step and help the territory attract investment and engage internationally as a state. The Somali government opposes these efforts, considering Berbera, its coast and its resources part of Somalia, making any broad US arrangements in the area tied to the sovereignty dispute.
Alongside rapprochement with Washington, Irro confirmed that Taiwan’s representative office in Hargeisa would remain open, while expressing readiness to receive Chinese investment, which he said should come without conditions.
