By Goth Mohamed Goth
Washington, D.C.– H.E. Bashiir Good, Ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland to the United States and Canada in his X account (@baruud, @SomalilandUS), has issued a firm response to Somalia’s unfounded claims regarding the Port of Berbera.
The statement comes after Somalia’s President proposed that the U.S. take control of several ports, including Berbera—a sovereign territory of Somaliland. Ambassador Good reaffirmed that Somaliland and the U.S. have already engaged in discussions regarding Washington’s potential strategic use of the port.
In an official statement shared on X (Twitter), the Somaliland Embassy emphasized the following key points:
- Sovereignty: The Port of Berbera is indisputably part of the Republic of Somaliland, and any external claims over it are invalid.
- Ongoing U.S. Engagement: Somaliland continues constructive dialogue with the U.S. to advance shared strategic interests in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean regions.
- AFRICOM Collaboration: Multiple U.S. AFRICOM delegations have visited Berbera to assess its potential for enhancing operational flexibility in the Horn of Africa.
- U.S. Congressional Mandate: Under the 2023 NDAA, the U.S. State and Defense Departments are required to report to Congress on efforts to strengthen defense, diplomatic, and development ties with Somaliland.
- Absurdity of Somalia’s Proposal: Somalia’s attempt to “gift” another nation’s territory to a third party is not only legally void but also diplomatically farcical—akin to a poorly executed SNL sketch.
Ambassador Good concluded by stating, “Such a proposal is an insult to the wisdom of U.S. leadership, including former President @realDonaldTrump, and the American people.”
