Somaliland has said it is ready to offer the United States access to its mineral resources and military bases as it seeks closer ties and wider recognition.
Somaliland has said it is willing to offer the United States access to its mineral resources and the use of military bases. The breakaway region declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991 and has since pursued international recognition.
Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, said the government believes it can reach an understanding with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
“We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. We are also open to offering military bases to the United States,” Abdi told AFP. “We believe that we will agree on something with the United States.”
Disputed status and lack of recognition
Despite operating with its own currency, passport, army and police force since 1991, the Somali government continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia.
Following Israel’s recognition of the territory, Trump said he was not aware of Somaliland’s existence. In an interview in December, he said, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”
Somalia and several African nations denounced Israel’s recognition. Rejecting the move, the African Union warned it could set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.
Israel recognition and strategic outreach
Since declaring autonomy, Somaliland has functioned largely independently but has struggled to gain formal international recognition. Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland’s independence in December 2025.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has suggested granting Israel privileged access to Somaliland’s mineral resources, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of a future Israeli military presence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on 26 December 2025 that Israel formally recognises the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. He described the move as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords initiated under President Trump.
Netanyahu said Israel would expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy, and invited President Abdullahi to visit Israel.
Strategic location and resource potential
Strategically located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, Somaliland sits near major shipping routes and areas affected by Houthi rebel attacks, which have at times targeted Israeli assets.
Officials say the territory holds significant natural resources, including lithium and coltan, although independent verification of their scale remains limited.
Geopolitical implications
Analysts say Somaliland’s outreach to the United States and Israel reflects a broader effort to strengthen strategic partnerships and raise its international profile, potentially reshaping geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
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