Behi: DP World Berbera Treaty Binding, Here to Stay

On 17 March 2018, Somaliland Sun reported that President Musa Behi told the Somaliland diaspora in Abu Dhabi that the agreement between Somaliland and DP World for the management of Berbera Port is binding and here to stay.

The President addressed the diaspora community in the UAE, where he defended the treaty and its terms. According to Somaliland Sun, Behi said DP World agreed to build a major carriageway from Berbera to Togwajaale, known as the Berbera corridor, and a second harbor. A third harbor would follow through accrued finances from the second 400m one.

Behi also linked the UAE partnership to broader regional alignment. He said Somaliland was justified to join the Saudi-led GCC coalition, noting that most of Somaliland's mega corporations were nurtured in the UAE and that its livestock are traditionally imported by Saudi Arabia. The President added that the UAE was interested not only in Berbera port but also in a military airbase.

The report states that Behi revealed top Somaliland officials would visit the UAE to kick-start the agreements. However, Somaliland Sun did not confirm whether these officials actually travelled. The article also lacks key financial details: it does not provide the total investment value, the date of signing, or a breakdown of DP World's financial commitment. The full text of the treaty is not included.

Behi also said that both political parties supported the government regarding recent incursions at Tukaraq and the Berbera port issue. He asked the UAE to recognize Somaliland to cement further relations and said he expected positive responses from his hosts.

The report does not establish what has happened since 17 March 2018. It does not state that construction has begun, that the carriageway or harbors have been built, or that the treaty remains in force. All claims remain as of that date, attributed to President Behi via Somaliland Sun.