By Abdiaziz Mubarak
The Beledhawa airstrip stands as a testament to the aspirations and determination of its community. When the project was initiated, it was celebrated as a milestone in the region’s development—a symbol of progress and hope for better connectivity, economic growth, and accessibility.
The local administration of Beledhawa district, alongside community members, worked tirelessly with good intentions to bring this vision to life. However, while their efforts are commendable, the project has revealed gaps in planning and execution that require urgent attention.
The airstrip is not an ordinary project. Its strategic importance and implications demand a deep understanding and thorough research. The lack of a structured work plan, absence of professional engineers, and limited consideration of security and geopolitical factors raise concerns about its long-term sustainability and safety.
What began as a grassroots initiative by enthusiastic youth and community members now needs the involvement of experts and strategic frameworks. Without professional oversight and careful planning, this ambitious project risks creating challenges that outweigh its benefits.
This article seeks to provide an overview of the unintended consequences associated with the Beledhawa airstrip and offers recommendations for how such work can proceed in a more structured and sustainable manner.
By addressing key concerns such as security vulnerabilities, geopolitical risks, and the need for professional input, this piece aims to contribute to the broader conversation on how Beledhawa can fully realize the potential of its airstrip while mitigating associated risks.
Additionally, the airstrip’s strategic location near the Somali-Kenyan border positions it as a potential area of safety and a vital hub for regional stability. Establishing a military base close to the airstrip would enhance its security and bolster defense capabilities, ensuring the airstrip remains operational and protected during times of crisis. As noted by Cope (1995) in Military Airfields and National Security, integrating airstrips with nearby military infrastructure is essential for maximizing both their strategic and operational value.
Geopolitical interference poses a significant concern regarding the Beledhawa airstrip, particularly given the precedent set by Ethiopian troops in other Gedo airstrips, including those in Dollow, Garbaharey, Baardheere, and Luq. Ethiopian forces have historically exploited these airstrips, viewing them as strategic assets and sources of revenue. If the Beledhawa airstrip becomes operational, it is likely that similar justifications—whether under the guise of ensuring airstrip security or other pretexts—may be used to assert control over its operations, legally or otherwise. This interference could undermine local governance and economic benefits intended for Beledhawa and its surrounding regions.
The sovereignty of airports is critical to ensuring that such infrastructure serves the needs of the host nation rather than external actors. As Williams (2011) emphasizes in Airports and Sovereignty: The Strategic Imperative, “Control over airstrips and airports is not merely a matter of logistics but a reflection of national sovereignty and autonomy.
Without full sovereignty, airfields can become tools of external domination rather than catalysts for local development.” For Beledhawa, safeguarding the airstrip from external interference is essential to maintain its economic and strategic potential. Enhancing Somali National Defense Force capabilities and collaborating with international partners are vital steps toward achieving this goal and ensuring the airstrip remains a benefit for the local community rather than a point of contention. While the potential benefits of establishing an airstrip in Beledhawa are significant, it is critical to consider the possible risks of geopolitical interference.
The presence of such infrastructure could provide an avenue for foreign entities, such as Ethiopian forces or others, to justify their involvement under the pretext of ensuring security or operational management. This concern is particularly relevant given the historical precedence in other Gedo airstrips, where external forces have leveraged these facilities for strategic or financial gain.
Without sufficient protection by the Somali army or clear mechanisms to safeguard the airstrip’s sovereignty, the infrastructure may inadvertently undermine Beledhawa’s autonomy.
If the establishment of an airstrip creates opportunities for foreign domination rather than benefiting the local community, it is prudent to reconsider its necessity.
As a matter of principle, ensuring that any infrastructure project aligns with the long-term interests, sovereignty, and security of Beledhawa should take precedence. Without these guarantees, delaying or even foregoing such a development may be the more prudent choice.
The Writer is Director of GIU research and development studies, Beledhawa, Gedo.
