Somalilandsun- Contrary to some media reports the concession awarded the UAE to construct a military base in Berbera still exists
This was stated by the Somaliland minister of foreign affairs Dr Saad Ali Shire during a briefing to Geeska Afrika
The reports the minister referred to had informed that the Berbera local council had stopped construction of a perimeter fence at the base.
“The fact is the mayor of Berbera temporarily halted the construction following a land ownership issue” said the FM in clarification
In elaboration the foreign policy chief who is closely associated with the UAE contract said that it had become apparent that land allocated the Emirati base included some owned privately by citizens
To this effect the mayor of Berbera had halted any developments pending arrangements to compensate the private owners now under discussion between the Somaliland and UAE governments
