Somali President Rejects Israeli Base, Signals Readiness to Grant Ethiopia Sea Access

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has rejected any Israeli presence in his country, saying Mogadishu would confront Israeli moves to establish a foothold.

Mohamud accused Israel of seeking to build a naval base in the city of Berbera. He said the aim would be to position itself closer to the Gulf and Iran.

The alleged plans were presented as an accusation by the Somali president, rather than a confirmed agreement to establish a base.

Separately, Mohamud signaled Somalia’s readiness to grant Ethiopia access to the sea. His remarks paired opposition to an Israeli presence with an opening for maritime arrangements with Ethiopia.