Somalia President Rejects Alleged Israeli Plans for Naval Base in Berbera

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that his country will not accept an Israeli presence under any circumstances, rebuffing alleged plans to establish a naval base in the port city of Berbera. Al Jazeera reported that the Somali leader also accused Yemen’s Houthi movement of destabilizing the region during his wide-ranging interview.

President Mohamud Rejects Berbera Naval Base Plans

President Mohamud stated that Israel plans to establish a naval base and utilize the airport in Berbera, a port city situated on the Gulf of Aden coast in Somaliland. According to an exclusive Al Jazeera interview, the Somali leader asserted that Tel Aviv’s real objective is to build closer ties with Gulf states and Iran. Al Jazeera reported these remarks as part of a broad discussion on regional security and foreign intervention.

Berbera sits across the water from Yemen near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait, making its location a vital transit point for international shipping. Press TV added that Mohamud views these moves as part of the Greater Israel project. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates independently, though it remains claimed by Mogadishu.

Israel Recognizes Somaliland Independence Amid Regional Disputes

Israel recognized Somaliland’s independence in December 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to do so. Mohamud criticized this diplomatic move during his interview, maintaining that no other country has followed suit and that local residents in the territory oppose an Israeli presence.

The diplomatic friction over Berbera compounds existing regional disputes regarding sea access in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January 2024 to secure sea access, which Mogadishu condemned as a violation of its sovereignty before both nations agreed to ease tensions. Mohamud noted that relations with Ethiopia remain good and that Somalia does not object to Addis Ababa gaining commercial access to ports.

Security Dynamics Along the Red Sea Corridor

Beyond the dispute over Somaliland, Mohamud addressed broader maritime security threats by accusing Yemen’s Houthis of destabilizing the region and disrupting navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The Houthis have enforced a blockade on Israel-linked ships in the area following an offensive that captured Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

Meanwhile, the federal government in Mogadishu continues its domestic security operations. Mohamud affirmed that the United States remains Somalia’s strongest partner in the fight against terrorism, noting that al-Shabab maintains no presence in major urban centers.