Document
Metadata
Authors
Nasir M. Ali, Sihaam A. Mumin, Soreer H. Bulhan
Title
Geopolitics–ports politics nexus: The case of Port of Berbera, Somaliland
Journal
The Horn of Africa Since 2018: Continuities, Transformations, and Prospects
Year of Publication
2025
Abstract
In the past few years, the penetration of the Gulf States to the strategic Horn of Africa has been deep. This political move has also coincided with the changing political dynamics of the region which has had a domino effect on regional power relations. This includes, for example, landlocked Ethiopia's strategic effort to reduce its reliance on Djibouti's port for imports and exports and looking other alternative ports in the region, such as Port Sudan, Sudan, Port of Berbera, Somaliland, and Lamu, Kenya. In Somaliland, the Port of Berbera which remains the country's major source of revenue has been developed by Dubai Ports World (DP World), a UAE port operator owned by the Government of Dubai. This company secured a 30-year concession to manage and develop a multipurpose port at Berbera. This chapter examines the multidimensional competition in the region, such as military bases or building ports and corridor infrastructures. This chapter also analyzes how the politics of ports influence the decisions and policymaking of both the regional states and the powers both near and far. This chapter proposes policies that can lessen the vulnerability of the region which can make a more peaceful and stable region. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Jan Záhořík and Aleksi Ylönen.
DOI
10.4324/9781003531999-18
Category
Social Science and Humanities