Deal with Israel could backfire on Somaliland's Port of Berbera amid regional upheaval
## International Relations and Trade Developments
International Relations and Trade Developments
Berbera Port: Strategic Developments and Potential Impact
The Berbera port, situated on the Gulf of Aden, has undergone significant development over the past decade, transforming into a modern facility under the management of the United Arab Emirates' DP World. Despite handling fewer containers compared to regional counterparts such as Djibouti or Mombasa, the port experienced a 30 percent increase in traffic from 2023 to 2025.
Ongoing negotiations with Ethiopia, which is landlocked and home to over 130 million people, could potentially result in an additional 80 percent increase in port traffic. However, Ethiopian authorities have not commented on these discussions.
Recently, Israel recognized Somaliland's independence, a development that port authority director Ali Diriye Ahmed anticipates will lead to substantial growth and possible expansion of the port's facilities. Nonetheless, this recognition brings with it certain geopolitical risks. The ongoing regional tensions, particularly following US-Israeli operations against Iran, have heightened the potential for conflict.
The Houthi rebel group, backed by Iran, has declared any Israeli presence in Somaliland as a potential military target. Additionally, the UAE, which operates Berbera port and has expanded a nearby military base, was recently targeted by Iranian missiles.
The Berbera port, situated on the Gulf of Aden, has undergone significant development over the past decade, transforming into a modern facility under the management of the United Arab Emirates' DP World.
There are unconfirmed reports of an Israeli military presence at the Emirati base in Berbera. This situation could potentially expose the port to threats from Houthi or Iranian forces. Furthermore, Al-Shabaab, the Somali Al-Qaeda affiliate, has expressed opposition to any Israeli activities in Somaliland.
Local Developments and Future Prospects
Despite the security concerns, local sentiments in Berbera remain optimistic. The city has seen significant growth in population and tax revenue since DP World assumed control of the port, facilitating the establishment of free primary schools and new health clinics.
Somaliland's minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, stated that the region aims to contribute to peace and does not intend to partner with Israel against any nation. The mayor of Berbera, Abdishakur Mohamoud Hassan, envisions a future development trajectory similar to Dubai, despite potential threats.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
