The Port of Berbera and Geopolitics of the Western Indian Ocean

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of upgradation and modernization of the port of Berbera in the context of evolving geopolitics of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The modernization of the Berbera is a part of the larger processes of geopolitics of seaports which is being played out in the WIO. Strategically important location of Berbera has always attracted foreign powers and in the contemporary geopolitics, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is playing a key role. The port of Berbera aspires to emerge as an important trans-shipment hub in the Gulf of Aden and the port development has geopolitical as well as geo-economic significance. In the development of the port and supporting infrastructure in and around Berbera, interests of Somaliland, Ethiopia and UAE converge. Therefore, the article focuses on the interests of these three powers in the context of the evolving geopolitics in the region.