- The Associated Press reported in mid-March, citing a US official, that the US was in talks with Somaliland to determine what it could offer in exchange for its recognition.
- The international community recognizes the federal government of Somalia, which controls Mogadishu and parts of the country.
Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland wants to be recognized as an independent state by US President Donald Trump in exchange for leasing its Berbera port and airstrip to the US, media reported on Saturday.
In March, the Semafor daily newspaper reported that Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had offered the US control over ports and airbases located in Somaliland and another breakaway region, Puntland, in an attempt to prevent Washington from recognizing them.
Somaliland, however, plans to strike a deal with Trump, offering the US to lease its airstrip and port, which will ensure smooth military and logistical access to the Gulf of Aden, in exchange for Washington's recognition of its statehood, The New York Times reported.
The airstrip at the Berbera International Airport was built by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Stretching for over 2.5 miles, it is the longest airstrip in Africa.
The Associated Press reported in mid-March, citing a US official, that the US was in talks with Somaliland to determine what it could offer in exchange for its recognition.
The US is reportedly exploring options for resettling Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Somalia ceased to exist as a unified state in 1991 following the fall of dictator Siad Barre.
The international community recognizes the federal government of Somalia, which controls Mogadishu and parts of the country.
