Somaliland, a territory that declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, is seeking to consolidate its international recognition. Following Israel's official recognition at the end of 2025 (a first in over three decades), Somaliland authorities are now demonstrating their desire to strengthen ties with Washington.
In an interview with AFP, the Minister of the Presidency, Khader Hussein Abdi, indicated that Somaliland was willing to grant the United States privileged access to its mineral resources. "We are ready to grant exclusive mining rights to the United States," he stated, adding that the territory was also "open to the idea of offering military bases to the United States."
This offer is part of a diplomatic strategy aimed at gaining greater international recognition and securing strategic partnerships. Located in the Horn of Africa, facing the Gulf of Aden and one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, Somaliland occupies a sensitive geopolitical position in a region marked by great power rivalry.
Israel's recognition has angered the Somali federal government in Mogadishu, which still considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory. Any foreign initiative involving recognition or direct military cooperation with Hargeisa could reignite regional tensions.
For Somaliland, opening up to the United States represents both a diplomatic lever and a strategic gamble: transforming its natural resources and geographic position into instruments of international legitimacy. It remains to be seen whether Washington will be willing to engage in such a sensitive diplomatic arena in the Horn of Africa.
