Somalia: Djibouti tycoon linked to Somaliland-DP World deal

HARGEISA, Somaliland-Djibouti’s richest man Abdirahman Boreh appeared during a signing event held for agreement signed by Somaliland and Dubai-based firm, DP World, raising questions over his role in the deal, Garowe Online reports. 

The presence of Boreh, a critical tycoon who is in self-imposed exile could trigger a diplomatic spat between Djibouti and Somaliland, officials said on condition of anonymity. 

Boreh has reportedly cooperated with Somaliland representative in Dubai Bashe Awil Omar, and convinced the shipping and port operator to invest in Berbera port.  

Somaliland has already complained of cool reception accorded to President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo at inaugural ceremony for Djiboutian President Ismael Omar Guelleh.  

Somaliland high level delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Sad Ali Shire clinched the agreement with DP World which manages 65 marine terminals throughout six continents. 

The firm will run Somaliland’s Berbera port for 30 years despite growing opposition to the move, called “improper” by opposition. 

In April, 2015, Somaliland delegation that included then State Minister for Presidency Hirsi Haji Ali Hasan, Minister of Commerce Musse Qasim, and Berbera port General Manager Ali Hor-Hor travelled to Dubai to initiative talks with DP World.  

Djibouti sentenced Boreh to 15 years in prison in absentia.  

Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia declared its independence from the rest of the country as a de facto sovereign State in 1991 but it has not been recognized internationally yet.

GAROWEONLINE