In brief
- Somaliland Foreign Minister Dr. Saad Ali Shire said there was no official submission about a Russian military base, according to Horn Diplomat on April 9, 2018.
- Media reports had claimed Russia sought a small navy and air facility for up to 1,500 personnel outside Zeila, but these were not confirmed.
- No evidence has emerged of subsequent talks or construction regarding such a base.
On April 9, 2018, Horn Diplomat reported that the Somaliland government commented on news that Russia might build a military base in Somaliland. The report quoted Foreign Minister Dr. Saad Ali Shire telling Geeska Afrika newspaper that there was "no official submission to Somaliland about military base."
Dr. Shire spoke at a conference in London marking the 26th anniversary of Somaliland's contested declaration of independence. When an offer comes, he said, "it will be consulted and we are reviewing the benefits of that submission," according to Horn Diplomat.
The reports, which appeared in Somaliland local media and other foreign outlets the previous week, claimed Russia sought permission to construct "a small navy and air facility, housing no more than 1,500 personnel outside the city of Zeila." Horn Diplomat noted the naval facility would serve two destroyer-sized ships, four frigate-class ships and two large submarine pens. These specifications were attributed to unverified media reports.
Horn Diplomat's headline said the foreign minister "speaks on reports," but the article itself records Dr. Shire's denial of any official proposal. The report does not establish what has happened since the date of publication. There is no documentation of any submission from Russia to Somaliland, and no subsequent development regarding the reported base has been reported by Horn Diplomat or other sources cited.
The article was written by Mohamed Duale, chief editor of Horn Diplomat.
Frequently asked questions
Did the foreign minister confirm reports of a Russian military base in Zeila?
No. Dr. Saad Ali Shire said there was no official submission to Somaliland about a military base, according to Horn Diplomat.
What would the reported facility include?
Unverified media reports cited by Horn Diplomat described a small navy and air facility for up to 1,500 personnel, serving two destroyers, four frigates, and two submarine pens.
Are any agreements in place for the base?
No. As of April 9, 2018, no agreement existed, and the minister said any future offer would be consulted and reviewed for benefits.