Somaliland offers the US exclusive mineral access and military bases, seeking recognition after Israel’s endorsement, as it positions itself strategically in the Horn of Africa.
HARGEISA: Somaliland is willing to grant the United States exclusive access to its minerals and military bases. The offer comes as the breakaway region intensifies its campaign for international recognition.
Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi confirmed the proposal in an interview. “We are willing to give exclusive (access to our minerals) to the United States,” he told AFP.
He added that the territory is also open to offering military bases to the US. Somaliland believes an agreement with Washington is achievable.
The region declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991 and has since functioned with its own government and security forces. It received a significant diplomatic boost in December when Israel became the first country to recognise its independence.
This move was condemned by the federal government in Mogadishu and many international actors. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called it a violation of sovereignty.
The US defended Israel’s right to make the recognition, though President Donald Trump indicated he was unlikely to follow suit. Somaliland’s leadership has also suggested granting Israel privileged access to mineral resources.
Abdi did not rule out allowing an Israeli military presence in the future. The region is strategically located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.
Officials claim the soil is rich in lithium, coltan and other critical minerals, though independent studies are lacking. The minister also made a direct plea to Turkey, which opposed Israel’s recognition.
He urged Turkish officials to engage directly with Hargeisa instead of Mogadishu. Abdi argued that Somalia’s government is fragmented and ineffective.
“Focusing on that does not help the security of the region,” he said.
