The self-declared region of Somaliland has announced its willingness to allow the United States to exploit its mineral resources and set up military bases on its territory. This offer was made public by the Minister of Presidential Affairs of Somaliland, Khadar Hussein Abdi, during an interview with the French press agency. Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is seeking international recognition and sees this potential partnership with the U.S. as a means to bolster its geopolitical standing and legitimacy.

The minister emphasized the region's readiness to grant exclusive rights for the exploration of its minerals, which are described as strategic though their quantities remain largely unknown due to a lack of in-depth studies. The announcement came following recent developments where Somaliland's President Abdi has been in talks about potential mineral exploration and resource management, including mentioning Israel's earlier recognition of Somaliland's independence, which has stirred controversy across various Arab and Islamic nations.

This move by Somaliland not only highlights its desire for international recognition but also indicates a strategic pivot towards Western powers amidst the growing geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa. The potential U.S. military presence could further complicate regional dynamics, especially regarding relations with Somalia and neighboring countries, as domestic and external actors assess the implications of such a partnership for both Somaliland and the broader Horn of Africa region.