Berbera Port Deal Review Urged by Former Somaliland VP

On 15 January 2018, Somaliland Sun reported that former Somaliland Vice President Ahmed Yusuf Yasin has called for a rethink of the DP World Berbera port contract. In an interview, Yasin told the outlet, "this contract needs a rethink".

Yasin, who according to Somaliland Sun served for eight years under ex-President Dahir Rayale Kahin, made a series of claims about the contract. His specific criticisms, as reported, include that the contract gives DP World a 30-year tenure plus 10 more years to be discussed, contributes only $10 million annually, and grants a monopoly. He contrasted this with a claimed $50 million annual payment by the Soviet military base in Berbera, which he said also trained armed forces.

The report does not establish whether the contract has been reviewed, changed, or cancelled since that date. DP World's statements do not give a contract value, and Somaliland Sun does not provide the contract's total project cost.

Yasin made other claims in the interview, including allegations that Somalia's planning minister visited eastern regions unlawfully and that President Farmajo's visit was prevented by quick government action. These statements are attributed to him.

The report also states that the UAE military base contract awarded by the immediate past administration of President Silanyo was suspended, but provides no timeline or details on that suspension, according to Somaliland Sun.