MWE Correspondent
The government of Somaliland has announced it is ready to grant the United States exclusive access to its rare mineral resources and land for military bases, in what officials describe as a strategic move to deepen ties with global powers and strengthen its long-running quest for international recognition.
The offer reflects Somaliland’s growing effort to position itself as a key geopolitical and economic partner in the Horn of Africa, a region whose strategic location and natural resources have drawn increasing global attention.
In an interview over the weekend, Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s Minister in the Office of the President, said the territory was prepared to offer special privileges to Washington in exchange for closer cooperation.
“We are ready to give the United States exclusive rights to explore and benefit from our rare minerals,” he said. “We are also open to providing locations for military facilities. We believe this partnership can benefit both sides.”
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government, as detailed in its political history overview. However, it has not received widespread international recognition and is still officially considered part of Somalia by the United Nations and most countries.
Despite this, Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, and security forces for more than three decades, while continuing diplomatic efforts to gain formal recognition as a sovereign state.
Its latest proposal comes at a time when global competition for rare earth minerals is intensifying. These minerals are essential for modern technologies, including electronics, renewable energy systems, and military equipment, making them highly valuable to major powers.
Officials in Somaliland believe their untapped mineral wealth could serve as a powerful bargaining tool in international diplomacy.
The region’s strategic location adds to its importance. Somaliland lies along the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. This position makes it particularly attractive for military and naval operations, especially at a time of rising security concerns in the region.
In recent months, tensions in nearby waters have increased due to attacks by armed groups targeting commercial and military vessels. These developments have heightened the strategic value of coastal territories like Somaliland.
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Somaliland’s push for recognition gained momentum after Israel became the first country to formally recognize its independence in December 2025, according to officials in the territory. Somaliland’s leadership has also indicated that Israel could receive priority access to mineral opportunities and security cooperation.
Analysts say Somaliland’s outreach to global powers reflects a calculated effort to leverage its geography and resources to achieve political legitimacy.
For Somaliland’s leaders, the goal is clear: transform economic partnerships into diplomatic breakthroughs.
However, the move could also complicate regional politics, as Somalia continues to oppose Somaliland’s independence and insists the territory remains part of its sovereign borders.
As global powers weigh their strategic interests, Somaliland’s latest offer underscores how smaller territories are increasingly using natural resources and geography to reshape their place on the world stage.
Whether these efforts will finally deliver the recognition Somaliland has sought for more than 30 years remains uncertain, but its leaders appear determined to turn opportunity into international acceptance.
