Somaliland is stepping up its push for international recognition, offering the United States exclusive access to its mineral wealth and potential military bases, a senior minister confirmed. The breakaway region, which declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991, has operated independently for decades, with its own currency, army, police force, and passports, but recognition has remained elusive.
Speaking to GT Newspaper, Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, said: “We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. Also, we are open to offering military bases. We believe that we will agree on something with the United States.”
Somaliland’s push follows Israel’s groundbreaking recognition of its independence in December 2025. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has already indicated that Israel could gain privileged access to minerals, and Abdi did not rule out a military presence for Tel Aviv.
Strategically located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, Somaliland holds minerals including lithium, coltan, and other high-demand resources, though independent verification is limited. Its geographic location adds to its appeal for global powers seeking access to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes.
The region faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining relations with Israel and courting the United States, while Somalia continues lobbying Washington to reject Somaliland’s independence. Analysts say this aggressive diplomacy highlights Somaliland’s determination to secure recognition and position itself as a resource-rich, strategically vital player in the Horn of Africa.
