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FM Explains the strategic Offer Somaliland Made to the US

HARGEISA-(SD) -Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Isse Keyd Mohamud, announced that the President of the Republic of Somaliland Mr. Muse Bihi welcomes the ongoing talks about the onset of the United States troops in Berbera, which will ensure the security of the Somaliland seas.

An extensive report by the Wall Street Journal published recently, detailed the benefits of the United States’ close strategic relationship with Somaliland, entitled “Somaliland Offers U.S. Military Access to Port, Airfield as It Pushes for Nationhood”.

President Muse Bihi, embraces the presence of the United States and the protection they will provide for the territorial waters,” said Dr. Isse Kayd, the Foreign Minister of Somaliland in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

Somaliland, a peaceful country unlike conflict-torn Somalia, is giving the United States the opportunity to use its seaport and airport to find and exploit strategic maritime routes in exchange for Somaliland’s recognition as an autonomous state.

The Wall Street Journal reported: “Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, hoping to take advantage of growing US concerns about China’s expansion into Africa, plans a trip to Washington in March. There are trade interests and the US’s use of the port of Berbera, an important gateway connecting the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is important that the United States shows its willingness to respond.”

Somaliland sees the competition between China and the US as an opportunity and is using it to achieve its long-awaited international recognition.

“If China occupies our country by force or by other means, then the waterways are going to be controlled by China,” said Mr. Kayd, the Somaliland Foreign Minister.

Somaliland believes that its chances of winning recognition and a seat at the United Nations are not close now, instead, they and their Washington allies are looking for temporary measures to facilitate direct negotiations between Somaliland and other governments.

“Apart from achieving recognition, our main goal is to reach out to the world,” said Mr. Kayd.

Somaliland has already shown an interest in partnering with Western countries and build diplomatic relations like they did with Taiwan in 2020, which has been a low blow to Beijing because they consider Taiwan as part of China.

Suddenly, people who are interested in China, but have no interest in Africa, are paying attention,” said J. Peter Pham, a former US diplomat.

On the other hand, good governance advocates in Somaliland are cautioning enthusiast to get the current regime to comply with the electoral, human rights and fix the countries numerous internal challenges, such as power sharing among regions, Inflation and joblessness.

The successive Kulmiye regimes are accused of rolling back some hard earned democratic gains on good and equitable governance in the yet unrecognized country.

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