“We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. Also, we are open to offer military bases,” Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, told AFP.
“We believe we will agree on something with the United States.”
He also did not rule out the possibility of allowing Israel a military presence.
The northern territory has run its own affairs since declaring autonomy from Somalia in 1991, with its own passports, currency, army, and police, though Mogadishu still considers it part of Somalia. Israel became the only country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in December.
Earlier this month, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said Somaliland expected to reach a trade agreement with Israel, which could include access to valuable mineral deposits.
Officials say Somaliland is rich in lithium, coltan, and other materials critical for batteries and electric vehicles, though independent studies are limited. Abdullahi also indicated Somaliland would seek access to Israeli technology in return.
The region’s strategic location across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen adds to its geopolitical significance. Recognition by Israel has drawn threats from Houthi rebels and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group, which has fought against Somalia’s central government for two decades. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the move as a violation of Somali sovereignty, a position supported by most African and Arab states.
Washington has not yet made any formal change in policy toward Somaliland, though President Donald Trump hinted in August that the issue could be addressed. Somaliland officials say their overtures to the US are part of a broader push for international recognition and strategic partnerships.
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