Somali President Rejects Israeli Base, Says Ethiopia Can Be Offered 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 set up a naval base in the city of Berbera to bring it closer to the Gulf and Iran. He presented the alleged plan as a move Somalia would oppose.

His remarks combined a rejection of an Israeli military presence with an offer of maritime access to neighbouring Ethiopia.

Mohamud said Somalia was prepared to grant Ethiopia access to the sea, though no details were provided on the terms or arrangements for such access.