The recent events surrounding the potential establishment of a military base near Berbera airport in Somaliland have raised significant concerns among local leaders and observers. According to a report by the French newspaper Le Monde, this development involves undisclosed funding from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and could potentially serve the interests of the UAE, the United States, and Israel.
Construction Activities Observed
Le Monde’s report highlights the ongoing construction, revealing satellite imagery documenting extensive excavation activities in multiple locations south of the runway. Between October 2025 and March 2026, at least 18 trenches were dug in the sandy terrain, which has caught the attention of various European security sources. These underground facilities likely indicate the establishment of ammunition storage areas or fuel depots, raising alarms about the motives behind this project.
Despite global intrigue, there has been a notable absence of official commentary from the governments of Somaliland, the UAE, the United States, or Israel regarding the base’s development. This silence leaves the local populace in a state of uncertainty about the implications this military presence may have on their region.
Local Opposition and Concerns
Local figures, particularly traditional elders, have publicly opposed the reported construction at Berbera airport. Suldan Ahmed Qabille, a respected figure in Somaliland, voiced his apprehensions by stating that the interests of the local community should take precedence over foreign ambitions. He emphasized on social media platforms that allowing Berbera airport to function as a foreign military base risks entangling Somaliland in international conflicts and regional rivalries.
Qabille articulated a pressing concern that the military interests of other nations could compromise Somaliland’s stability, stating that such actions could lead to diplomatic and security threats. His perspective reflects a broader sentiment among some local leaders who fear that the region could become a hotbed of external competition, ultimately undermining the safety and well-being of its residents.
Shifting Geo-political Landscape
The aircraft construction at Berbera airport coincides with Israel’s alleged formal recognition of Somaliland’s independence on December 26, 2025. This recognition aims to create a strategic foothold close to the Gulf of Aden, particularly near Yemen’s coastline, where the Houthi forces have posed operational threats. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have raised concerns about maritime security through the crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major shipping route for various international players, including Israel and the United States.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991; however, it remains largely unrecognized on the global stage. The federal government of Somalia continues to assert that Somaliland is part of its territory, claiming that military agreements and foreign policy initiatives should be under the central government’s jurisdiction.
In summary, the potential military base near Berbera airport raises critical questions about sovereignty, local interests, and international dynamics in the Horn of Africa. A profound dialogue is needed among the stakeholders involved to navigate the challenges posed by foreign military interests while safeguarding the aspirations and safety of Somaliland’s populace.