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Somaliland has said it is ready to offer the United States special access to its mineral resources and even allow the establishment of U.S. military bases, as it continues pushing for international recognition as an independent state.
In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, said the territory is open to exclusive agreements with Washington. He explained that Somaliland is willing to grant the United States priority access to its minerals and is also prepared to host American military facilities if such cooperation would strengthen ties between the two sides.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, it has operated with its own government, security forces, and institutions. However, it has not received formal recognition from the United Nations or the African Union, both of which continue to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity.
In December, Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state. The decision sparked strong reactions from Somalia’s federal government, which described the move as a violation of its sovereignty. Many African and Arab countries also rejected Israel’s recognition, arguing that Somalia’s borders should remain intact.
The United States has not officially changed its position and still recognizes Somalia as one country. However, remarks made by Donald Trump in August drew attention to the issue. During a White House press conference, Trump said he was considering the Somaliland matter, which led to speculation that U.S. policy could shift in the future. So far, there has been no formal announcement of any change.
Somaliland’s leadership has been actively seeking partnerships that could strengthen its case for recognition. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has previously suggested giving Israel preferential access to mineral resources as part of broader cooperation. Now, similar offers appear to be on the table for the United States.
The territory’s location adds to its strategic importance. Somaliland lies along the Gulf of Aden, directly across from Yemen. This waterway is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. In recent years, the region has faced instability, including attacks on vessels by Houthi rebels based in Yemen. Because of this, global powers have shown increased interest in maintaining security and influence in the area.
Somaliland officials say the region contains valuable mineral deposits, including lithium and coltan. These materials are in high demand worldwide because they are used in batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. As countries compete to secure supplies of critical minerals for technology and clean energy industries, Somaliland hopes its natural resources will attract powerful allies.
However, independent studies confirming the size and commercial value of these mineral deposits remain limited. While the government believes the resources could be significant, large-scale extraction would require detailed surveys, foreign investment, and stable long-term agreements.
By offering mineral access and potential military bases to the United States, Somaliland appears to be signaling that it is ready to play a bigger role in global economic and security partnerships. At the same time, such moves could further complicate relations with Somalia, which continues to oppose any steps toward formal recognition of Somaliland as a separate state.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation highlights the complex balance between regional politics, global security interests, and the growing demand for strategic minerals in a rapidly changing world.