The Horn of Africa is strategic for Gulf nations because of ongoing military operations in Yemen and in the long term to protect their shipping interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Djibouti has been the regional hub for foreign military bases, but now faces competition from its next-door neighbour.
In Somaliland, the UAE has an alternative and less controversial location for a military base than Eritrea, which is under UN sanctions.
The Emiratis will also provide much-needed training and equipment for Somaliland forces.
The threat posed by militant Islamist group al-Shabab in Somalia has been largely kept at bay in the breakaway region – having a stronger local force backed by an international partner will shore up this stability.
Its port in Berbera is not solely for military use. Expansion could provide Somaliland with more robust economic opportunities, particularly targeting its landlocked neighbour Ethiopia.
But as Somaliland is not internationally recognised, the authorities will need to be wary of any legal complications that could arise, given the UN-backed government of Somalia was not party to the base or expansion of Berbera.
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