Somaliland leader says Israeli firm could be granted port access
- MEE Staff
- Feb 8
- 1 min read
Original Author: MEE Staff
Original Publication: Middle East Eye
Date: February 7, 2026
Curated Excerpt (Fair Use)
This report examines remarks by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi indicating that Somaliland has not ruled out granting port access to an Israeli company, highlighting the territory’s growing role in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime security. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai, the Somaliland president emphasized the region’s strategic location amid disruptions to global shipping caused by attacks on Israel-linked vessels.
According to the article, Somaliland is actively encouraging Israeli investment across sectors including energy, agriculture, aviation, tourism, and finance, presenting its mineral, oil, gas, livestock, and agricultural resources as assets that could contribute to global and regional food and energy security. The piece situates these comments within wider regional dynamics following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and ongoing tensions involving Somalia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemeni actors.
The article also revisits speculation around possible Israeli military cooperation, noting official denials by Somaliland authorities while acknowledging that discussions depend on future bilateral agreements. Berbera’s expanding port, long runway, and existing Emirati-linked infrastructure are portrayed as central to the strategic competition shaping the Red Sea corridor, through which a significant share of global trade passes.
About the Author
MEE Staff write on Middle East and Horn of Africa politics, security, and regional geopolitics, with a focus on power shifts affecting trade routes, diplomacy, and conflict dynamics.
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