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Somalia gives US exclusive control over air bases and ports

In a Friday letter seen by the media, Somalia's president stated that Somalia was willing to give exclusive control to the United States of strategic airbases and ports.

In the letter dated March 16, authenticated by a diplomat in the region with knowledge of this matter, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that the assets include air bases at Balidogle, Berbera, and the ports of Berbera, and Bosaso.

The Somalia Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Information did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

The United States could benefit from a stronger military presence in Horn of Africa as they seek to counter the threat posed by islamist militants across the Horn of Africa and in Somalia.

The letter stated that "these strategically located assets provide an opportunity for American engagement in the area, ensuring uninterrupted logistical and military access while preventing competitors from setting up a presence outside of this vital corridor."

Berbera lies in the region of Somaliland, which is a breakaway region. The offer to purchase the air base and port there would bring the Somali government and the Berbera government into conflict.

"What cooperation? The USA has given up on this corrupted Somalia regime. Abdirahman Dahir Aden said that the USA was now prepared to deal with Somaliland. "Somaliland has proven to be a peaceful nation, which is stable and democratic," Abdirahman Dahir Aden stated.

The USA are not stupid. "They know who to deal with in Berbera Port," he continued.

Somalia is opposed to any attempt at recognition of Somaliland as an independent country.

Bosaso lies in the semi-autonomous Puntland state, about 90km (55miles) north of Mogadishu. Ammu Kanampilly reported from Nairobi, and Abdi sheikh reported from Mogadishu. George Obulutsa wrote the article. Editing was done by Bate Felix, Sandra Maler and Sandra Maler.

(source: Reuters)