Feb 23 • 04:47 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

Somalia: US Can Access Somaliland's Minerals and Military Bases, Says Minister

Somaliland is offering the United States exclusive access to its minerals and military bases in a bid for international recognition.

In an interview, Somaliland's Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, announced the region's willingness to grant the United States access to its mineral resources and military bases. This move comes as Somaliland, which has declared independence from Somalia, seeks global recognition and support. Abdi expressed optimism about potential agreements between Somaliland and the U.S., emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership.

Somaliland's Ministry of Energy and Minerals has highlighted the region's resource wealth, which includes valuable materials such as lithium and coltan. However, the lack of independent studies raises questions about the veracity of these claims. Notably, a Saudi mining company has already engaged in exploratory work for lithium, indicating international interest in the region's resources. This underscores Somaliland's potential role in the global minerals supply chain.

The U.S. already maintains a naval base in Djibouti, situated near Somaliland, suggesting an established military presence in the Horn of Africa. The cooperation with Somaliland could further amplify U.S. strategic interests in the region, especially in light of recent diplomatic shifts, such as a rapprochement with Israel. The implications of enhanced U.S. involvement in Somaliland could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to Somalia and broader regional dynamics.

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