The President of Somalia’s recent letter to the United States government, offering naval and sea base access in Somaliland, is a diplomatic embarrassment and a clear overstep. Somalia has no control over Somaliland and no right to negotiate on its behalf. This move reveals not just poor judgment—but total detachment from geopolitical reality.
At a time when Somaliland is making measured progress in its international relations, especially with strategic partners like the United States, the government of Somalia is engaged in reckless maneuvers that expose its diplomatic failure. The letter is not a sign of strength—it’s a signal of desperation.
Even more troubling is the Somalia President’s ongoing shuttle diplomacy campaign, flying across continents on trips funded by donor money. These are the same funds meant to support food, healthcare, and survival for struggling families in Somalia. Instead, they’re being burned on private jets, luxury hotels, and hollow promises to foreign powers about land and ports he does not control.
The people of the Horn of Africa deserve leadership grounded in reality and service—not spin. Somaliland has shown what stability, democratic governance, and responsible diplomacy look like. It has built its own institutions, secured its own peace, and developed its own partnerships. That cannot be ignored or dismissed by a president who cannot control his own capital.
Any discussions involving Somaliland must be held with Somaliland. The world—especially regional neighbors—must recognize who the real actors of stability and credibility are in the Horn. Empty gestures from Mogadishu do not represent the region’s future. Somaliland does.
Abdikarim Abdi Adan
International Diplomatic and Policy Advocate