Monday, 14 Sep 2026 {HMC} Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh has expressed concern over any plans by Israel to establish a military presence in Somaliland, questioning why Israel would seek a military base in the Horn of Africa.
In an exclusive interview with Middle East Eye (MEE), Saleh said Eritrea had observed growing cooperation between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, particularly on issues concerning the Horn of Africa. He said the two countries had previously aligned their interests regarding Somaliland.
“They have already aligned themselves on Somaliland,” Saleh told MEE, noting that Somaliland officials have openly expressed interest in hosting an Israeli military presence.
“We have to ask ourselves: Why is Israel rushing to establish a foothold in the Horn of Africa? Why does it need a base in Somaliland?” Saleh said.
The minister also said Eritrea had previously rejected the establishment of an Israeli embassy in Asmara, stressing that the decision did not mean Eritrea was hostile toward Israel but was a political choice made by his government.
“We decided that we did not want their embassy here. We have no hostility toward Israel, but we decided that we did not want such relations,” Saleh said.
Saleh also strongly criticized the UAE’s presence at ports across the region, accusing Abu Dhabi of pursuing what he described as “port colonialism” in Africa. He said the UAE has commercial and military interests in several locations across the region, including Berbera.
“Why does the UAE have ports everywhere in the region?” Saleh asked, questioning whether its involvement was solely driven by economic interests.
The MEE report noted that UAE-based companies DP World and AD Ports have interests in or operate port facilities in several countries and territories across the region, including Somaliland.
The UAE has previously rejected allegations that it is pursuing a form of “colonialism” in Africa.
