Hargeisa (SD) – DP World has failed to implement a provision of the Berbera airport agreement signed with the Somaliland government last year, according to the Director of the Somaliland Civil Aviation Authority.

Director Omar Sayid told the Somaliland House of Representatives that the Berbera airport agreement with the UAE’s DP World was to turn Berbera Airport to a military base, and build another civil airport, which it did not happen.

He said that DP World had not build the airport as agreed, and informed the Somaliland government that it is because of the cost of repairing the port and the construction of the Berbera Road.

“We have agreed that Berbera Airport will be a base for the UAE government. The plan was to build another airport. After length discussion, they told us that the port expansion and the Berbera corridor increased their expense. It was agreed that Berbera Airport should be transformed into a military and civilian base just like Djibouti.” Said Director Omar Sayid.

Director Omar Sayid said that this clause is the only one that was not implement in the agreement reached between the UAE and Somaliland.

The UAE has good relations with the Somaliland government, with DP WORLD taking full control of the port of Berbera, an important source of revenue for Somaliland.