Somaliland is willing to provide the United States with access to its minerals and military bases as it seeks international recognition of its independence following Israel's recent acknowledgment.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, announced its intention to offer the United States privileged access to its mineral resources and potential military bases in a bid to gain international recognition. This offer comes on the heels of Israel becoming the first country to recognize Somaliland's status as an independent and sovereign state at the end of 2025, a move that has angered the Somali government, which still claims sovereignty over the territory.
Officials and citizens of Somaliland view Israel's recognition as a turning point and hope it will encourage other nations, especially the U.S., to follow suit. In discussions with AFP, a Somaliland minister highlighted the potential for exclusive mining rights and military cooperation, framing it as a strategic partnership that could benefit both Somaliland and the United States.
The implications of this development could be significant, as Somaliland attempts to establish its presence on the global stage amid ongoing tensions with the Somali government. By leveraging its mineral resources and military cooperation, Somaliland aims to strengthen its claims to statehood and ensure greater geopolitical relevance, which may help shift the global perception of this self-declared republic from a secessionist territory to a legitimate state actor.
