DP World to Lose Berbera and Bosasso Deals After Banned From Somalia

Somali Lower House on Monday banned DP world, a Dubai based company from operating in  Somalia following a debate on the Berebera controversial deal.

The house declared the company to be a threat to the country’s sovereignty and unity.

In a resolution, the House members termed the deal between Somaliland, Ethiopia and DP world unconstitutional.

Last week, DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem dismissed Somalia’s rejection ‘mere statements’ by saying Somalia has nothing to do with the affairs of Somaliland which has been independent for over two decades ago.

“The decision of the Federal Government of Somalia does not concern DP World, Somaliland is an independent country for more than 28 years and makes its own decision and its parliament approved this project,” said CEO of DP world.

In today’s resolution, the house accused the Emarates Port operator of violating Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.

“DP World Company has deliberately violated the country’s independence and policy therefore the company has been outlawed from operating in the country,” the resolution reads.

Bosaso Deal

The resolution will also affect and outlaw the port agreement between the semi-autonomous regional state and P&O Ports which is a subsidiary of DP World.

“Any agreement engaged in a country or organization which contradicts the provisional constitution of Somalia is null and void, therefore all the deals signed with Dubai Port World are invalid as they are against the country’s constitution, foreign investment regulations and other regulations of the country,” the House said.

P&O Ports had taken the control of Bossaso port, which lies 2,000km North of Somalia capital, Mogadishu October last year.

P&O Ports which won the 30 year concession was supposed to construct the port with an initial investment of $336 million, split across two phases of $136 million and $200 million.