A Strategic Case for Deeper UAE–Somaliland Partnership |
The relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Somaliland represents one of the most underappreciated strategic partnerships in the Horn of Africa. While cooperation has already taken root, particularly in infrastructure and port development, the full geopolitical, economic, and security potential of this relationship remains largely untapped. As regional competition intensifies and global trade routes evolve, it is increasingly in the UAE’s interest to elevate its engagement with Somaliland from transactional investment to a comprehensive strategic partnership that could eventually include diplomatic recognition.
At the center of this relationship lies the transformation of Berbera Port, led by DP World. This investment is not merely commercial; it is geopolitical. Berbera is rapidly emerging as a critical logistics hub along the Red Sea corridor, offering an alternative to congested and politically sensitive routes such as Djibouti. For the UAE, which has long pursued a strategy of securing maritime trade routes and port infrastructure from the Gulf to East Africa, Berbera represents a strategic anchor in the Horn.
However, the significance of Somaliland goes far beyond port infrastructure. Somaliland occupies a unique geographic position along one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, the Gulf of Aden, through which a substantial percentage of global trade passes. In an era marked by rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions to shipping lanes, ensuring stability and reliable partnerships in this region is essential. Somaliland has, over the past three decades,........