Somaliland is prepared to grant the United States exclusive access to its rich mineral resources and the opportunity to establish military bases on its territory, according to a senior government official.
This strategic offer underscores Somaliland's commitment to forging strong partnerships with global powers as it advances its longstanding pursuit of formal international recognition.
In an exclusive interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Saturday, Khadar Hussein Abdi, Minister of the Presidency, stated: “We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. Also, we are open to offer military bases to the United States. We believe that we will agree on something with the United States.”
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained peace, stability, and democratic governance, possesses significant untapped natural resources, including critical minerals such as lithium and coltan essential for high-tech industries and defense applications.
The territory's strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, including the key Port of Berbera, further enhances its geopolitical importance for regional security and trade.
Minister Abdi emphasized that these offers form part of Somaliland's broader diplomatic efforts to secure recognition and partnerships that support mutual economic and security interests. Somaliland has already demonstrated its reliability as a partner through existing cooperation on counterterrorism, maritime security, and infrastructure development.
This initiative comes amid Somaliland's continued progress toward greater international engagement, building on recent developments including Israel's recognition of Somaliland in late 2025. Somaliland remains committed to dialogue and collaboration that promotes stability in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland invites the United States to explore these opportunities and engage in discussions that could lead to a mutually beneficial agreement.