Somaliland willing to give US access to minerals and military bases, says minister
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region within Somalia, has expressed its willingness to grant the United States exclusive access to its mineral resources and establish military bases on its territory. This move comes as Somaliland seeks international recognition and strengthens its ties with global powers. The region’s minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, revealed that Somaliland is open to offering such concessions to the U.S., potentially solidifying a strategic partnership. Similarly, Somaliland has already granted Israel privileged access to its minerals and hinted at allowing an Israeli military presence, despite Mogadishu’s rejection of Somaliland’s autonomy.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and operates as a de facto state with its own government, currency, and security forces. While it remains unrecognized by the international community—except for Israel—the region has long sought global acknowledgment. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden near Yemen makes it a key player in regional security and economic interests. Somaliland claims to possess significant deposits of lithium, coltan, and other valuable minerals, though independent verification is limited.
The U.S. has shown cautious interest but has not yet committed to recognizing Somaliland or establishing formal ties. Meanwhile, Turkey, another country critical of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, has been urged by Somaliland officials to engage directly with Hargeisa rather than Mogadishu. The region’s offer to the U.S. and Israel highlights its desire to leverage resources and strategic advantages to gain international legitimacy and security assurances.
Somaliland’s overture to the U.S. and Israel reflects its broader efforts to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. While Somalia’s government strongly condemns such moves, Somaliland remains determined to carve out a future as an independent entity. The potential for increased foreign investment, military cooperation, and resource extraction in the region underscores the stakes for global powers and the broader implications for stability in the Horn of Africa.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/22/2026