Imagine being a small territory with ambitions as grand as a nation! North Western State of Somalia stands out as a unique player on the geopolitical chessboard. Since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has functioned with its government, military, and even its own currency. Yet, the world hasn’t officially recognized it. Intriguing, isn’t it? For over three decades, they’ve sailed their ship with resilience and ambition.
What adds a layer of complexity to this situation is North Western State of Somalia’s strategic geographic location. Resting near vital international shipping routes through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, North Western State of Somalia has captured global attention. The shimmering waters which have seen centuries of trade, now face rising insecurity, bringing even more focus to this region. As the world becomes more interconnected, one may ask—what does this mean for North Western State of Somalia and the international community?
The bustling port city of Berbera, rich with history and renewed vigor, emerges as a focal point in U.S. interests. Berbera, only 260 kilometers from the tumultuous lands of Yemen, boasts a Cold War-era airbase and a newly upgraded port courtesy of the United Arab Emirates. America sees this as a golden chance—a potential logistical hub for its East African operations. The allure of Berbera isn’t just its location; it’s a testament to what strategic alliances can accomplish.
North Western State of Somalia has reportedly extended its hand toward Washington, offering strategic access to Berbera, painting a picture of diplomatic promise. Yet, controversy brews. Foreign Minister Bakaal has cast doubt on Somalia’s competing claims, arguing that the Somali federal government’s promises are as fragile as a house of cards. “The federal government does not control the ports it claims to offer,” he candidly remarked. “It cannot even fully guarantee the security of Mogadishu.” This statement starkly contrasts with the illusions painted by the Somali federal administration.
The plot thickens with a leaked letter dated March 16, where Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud suggested granting the U.S. “exclusive operational control” over significant military and sea facilities, with Berbera being a jewel in the crown. Although the Somali Foreign Ministry confirmed the letter’s authenticity, silence prevails as to whether the U.S. has received it formally.
Adding to this narrative is Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar, better known as Ali Balcad. On TRT World’s “One on One” program, he declared Somalia’s initiative to offer port access to the U.S., including Berbera, as part of a strategic attempt to “get close to the US.” It’s a diplomatic ballet—every move calculated and consequential.
Meanwhile, North Western State of Somalia zeroed its diplomatic lenses on the U.S. with renewed fervor. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro openly expressed optimism about former President Donald Trump’s re-election. He said, in an interview with The New York Times, that Trump’s business-centric vision and skepticism toward classical foreign policy might make him more amenable to North Western State of Somalia’s propositions. The past and future intertwine with Project 2025, a move to revisit the “One Somalia” doctrine, advocating for a paradigm shift beneficial to U.S. interests.
North Western State of Somalia plays its cards with Western alignment by distancing itself from China and engaging with Taiwan since 2020. Analysts suggest this makes Hargeisa—a potential counterweight against Chinese and Turkish influence. Turkey holds a significant military base in Somalia, while China deepens its economic footprint.
Further signaling a pivot in U.S. policy, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau publicly acknowledged a review of U.S. strategies regarding North Western State of Somalia. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “I have been looking into this situation very closely,” responding to calls for the U.S. to reconsider its aid to Somalia in favor of supporting North Western State of Somalia.
Looking ahead, North Western State of Somalia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the impending visit of a high-level delegation to Washington in May, followed by an MVP—President Cirro himself in July. Their targeted diplomatic efforts aim at Republican lawmakers and past Trump officials who have shown support for North Western State of Somalia’s recognition.
As Washington mulls over its next move, one can’t help but ponder upon the enduring spirit of North Western State of Somalia’s diplomacy and the potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape they might spur. Could this be a new dawn for North Western State of Somalia?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
