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Somaliland Willing to Give US Access to Minerals and Military Bases, Says Minister
Somaliland offers rare earth minerals and military base access to the US as part of its strategy to gain international recognition and strategic partnerships.
- Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland's minister, told AFP on February 21, 2026, that Somaliland is willing to give the United States access to minerals and military bases.
- Following Israel's December 2025 recognition, Somaliland's President Abdullahi said earlier this month that Somaliland expects to sign 'a partnership agreement' offering rights to mineral deposits, driven by resource deals like 2024 Kilomass exploration.
- Since declaring autonomy in 1991, Somaliland has maintained its own passport, currency, army and police, despite the Somali federal government in Mogadishu denouncing Israel's recognition as an attack on territorial integrity.
- Washington has so far not shifted policy on Somaliland, and analysts say the outreach could reshape Horn of Africa geopolitics while Djibouti hosts a U.S. naval base near major shipping routes.
- Khadar Hussein Abdi, Minister of the Presidency, did not rule out allowing Israel to set up a military presence, with recent weeks seeing Somaliland suggest privileged mineral access for Israel.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Somaliland will grant US access to military bases and resources
Somaliland has granted the US access to its military bases and mineral resources. The deal comes just months after Israel recognised the new state. And colonial powers old and new, namely the UK and UAE, are in the mix too. The new nation, a breakaway from Somalia, has only been recognised by Israel so far. The minister of the presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi said on 21 February: We are willing to give exclusive [access to our minerals] to the Uni…
Somalia offers to renew US access to ports
Somalia offered to renew a deal granting the US access to its ports and airports, days after the breakaway region of Somaliland reiterated a similar proposal. Mogadishu emphasized that its offer to Washington “remains the appropriate and lawful channel for any security cooperation.” Somaliland, a self-governing entity since 1991, has been ramping up its diplomatic outreach as it pushes for international recognition: Israel became the first count…
Somalia: U.S. Can Access Somaliland's Minerals and Military Bases, Says Minister
Somaliland is willing to give the United States access to its minerals and military bases, the minister of the presidency has said, as the breakaway region of Somalia pushes for global recognition.
As a result of the civil war, part of Somalia declared itself independent in 1991 and founded Somaliland. Neither Mogadishu nor the United Nations recognized the move. Now the designated head of the region is trying to lure the United States with natural resources.
After Israel's recognition of its independence, Somaliland also strives to be close to the US. A minister promises the US "exclusive" access.
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