File Photo Somali Times/Somalia corrupt president Hassan Sheikh
By MP Dr Abdillahi Hashi Abib
It appears that the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh has entered into a series of military agreements without a coherent strategic framework, seemingly dictated by shifting political calculations rather than a consistent foreign policy. Recently, the President has signed military agreements with Egypt and Eritrea, followed shortly by similar agreements with Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia. Additionally, he is reportedly offering military base rights to the United States.
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Notably, none of these agreements – except for the undisclosed military package with Turkey – have been submitted to Parliament for debate or approval, raising significant concerns regarding transparency, constitutional compliance, and national security implications.
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Since my election to Parliament on January 25, 2022, I have consistently advocated for an official invitation to the United States Government to establish military bases in Zeila, Hafun, Hobyo, and Kismayo. My advocacy has been driven by the need to support the U.S. military following its deteriorating conditions at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, particularly after increased Chinese influence in the region. Furthermore, my proposal aligns with the longstanding strategic partnership between Somalia and the United States, a relationship that was notably strengthened under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan and contributed significantly to Somalia’s stability from the 1980s until the outbreak of civil war in 1991.
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This initiative also serves as a critical countermeasure against the Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive expansion into Africa’s natural resources through its high-debt Silk Road Initiative. Historically, Somalia’s foreign policy has been consistent and trust-based, unlike the current administration under President Hassan Sheikh.
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Whose approach appears transactional and opportunistic, prioritizing personal or political gains over national interests.
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I fully concur with
Recent statement, highlighting the President’s contradictory stance. Just weeks ago, he dismissed U.S. intelligence assessments regarding security threats at Mogadishu International Airport as misinformation and propaganda. Yet, today, he seeks military assistance from the same government whose intelligence he publicly discredited. This inconsistency raises legitimate concerns about credibility and the sustainability of his foreign policy.
Rather than engaging in erratic military pacts that undermine national sovereignty, I urge my fellow legislators to support my proposed “Somalia-America Alliance Act.” This legislation would facilitate a long-term strategic defence partnership between Somalia and the United States, granting access to critical military locations while ensuring that all public-private partnerships contribute directly to Somalia’s infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development – without imposing any financial burden on U.S. taxpayers (Zero Net Cost). Under this framework, all benefits would accrue transparently to the Somali people, from Zeila to Ras Kamboni, free from corruption.
My American counterparts and I have engaged extensively with relevant U.S. government agencies, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump
“America First” policy and my own “Somalia First” policy, creating a mutually beneficial alliance that enhances security, stability, and economic prosperity. By implementing this partnership, Somalia will emerge as a pivotal geopolitical player in the Horn of Africa and beyond.