DP World Berbera Port Contract Moves to Phase II

Somaliland Sun reported on 6 June 2016 that talks between Somaliland and the United Arab Emirates over the Berbera port contract had entered a second phase, according to Bashe Awil, Somaliland's ambassador to the UAE.

Awil said the second phase of discussions was being conducted in the UAE. The report does not specify whether this phase refers to negotiation of a new agreement or implementation of a previously signed deal.

Somaliland Sun also reported that a deal was signed on 19 May 2016 concerning investment in Berbera port, roads, and other businesses. The report attributes this to the same source. However, the article provides no details on the contract value, scope, duration, or contracting parties such as DP World.

Awil stated that any part of the deal requiring ratification would go to parliament, but the report does not confirm whether parliamentary approval had been sought or granted at the time of publication.

The ambassador also described UAE assistance to Somaliland, including charity, water, and road-building support, mentioning two charities sent during the last drought. He said the UAE visitors would stay until the following Tuesday before returning to their country.

Awil claimed the Berbera port project is the biggest Somaliland has obtained in the last twenty-five years, and that many countries were interested but Somaliland won the project. These statements are attributed solely to the ambassador and are not independently verified in the report.

Somaliland Sun does not establish that construction has started, that physical works are underway, or that the project has progressed beyond talks and the reported signing of a deal on 19 May 2016.

The report also does not provide information on financing arrangements, total project cost, procurement process, or specific terms of DP World's involvement.