Somaliland Offers US Exclusive Access to Minerals and Military Bases to Win Recognition

Somaliland’s government has publicly offered the United States exclusive access to its claimed mineral resources and the option to host U.S. military bases as part of a drive for formal recognition.

“Minister of the presidency says the exclusive rights offered to the US are part of Somaliland’s push for global recognition”

Al Jazeera

Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, is reported to have told Agence France-Presse that the self-declared republic is "willing to give exclusive (access to our minerals) to the United States" and is "open to offer military bases," framing the offer as a bargaining tool in its quest for international status after Israel recognised Somaliland in December.

Al Jazeera

The announcement and its context are described across multiple outlets, which consistently cite Abdi’s comments to AFP while adding different background and emphasis.

The move comes against Somaliland’s long-standing de facto autonomy.

The territory declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates its own currency, passport, army and police, a point repeated by multiple outlets that provide historical context for the offer.

fakti.bg

Somaliland officials and the reporting note claimed deposits of strategic minerals including lithium and coltan, which Somaliland says could make such exclusive access economically valuable, though at least one outlet explicitly warns that independent geological confirmation is lacking.

Regional and international reactions to the offer and to Israel’s December recognition are portrayed with varying emphases.

“Breakaway Somali Region Seeks Strategic Partnerships Amid Push for Recognition ERBIL (Kurdistan24) —Somaliland has expressed willingness to grant the United States access to its mineral resources and military bases, a senior official told AFP, as the self-declared autonomous region seeks international recognition”

kurdistan24.net

Several outlets record sharp condemnation from Somalia and warnings from continental bodies, while others stress diplomatic manoeuvring.

Türkiye Today quotes Somalia’s president, Hasan Sheikh Mohamud, as describing Israel’s recognition as contrary to international law.

Hasan Sheikh Mohamud said it undercuts regional stability and vowed to oppose any foreign bases in Somaliland.

WION adds that the African Union and South African nations condemned Israel’s move and warned of dangerous precedent.

fakti.bg notes the recognition "provoked strong anger in Mogadishu."

The outlet said this reaction underscored bilateral tension.

Observers and reporting underline geopolitical calculations.

Somaliland’s leadership frames exclusive mineral access and base offers as leverage in a contest for recognition.

News of Bahrain

Some outlets record that Somaliland has discussed similar access for Israel.

WION states Somaliland expects to reach an agreement with the Trump administration and notes Israel’s December recognition and prior discussions on privileged access.

Türkiye Today adds that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi had previously suggested privileged access for Israel and that Abdi did not rule out an Israeli military presence.

At least one source flags that claims about mineral wealth are unverified.

Reporting remains uncertain on verification and the practical pathway from public statements to actual deals.

“US President Donald Trump speaks during a Working Breakfast with Governors at the White House in Washington, DC on February 20, 2026”

Punch Newspapers

Multiple outlets report Abdi’s comments to AFP while also recording competing political positions and warnings from Somalia and continental bodies.

Punch Newspapers

At least one outlet explicitly notes that independent geological confirmation of mineral claims is lacking.

Another outlet highlights that the December recognition by Israel drew fierce condemnation in Mogadishu.

Given the differences in emphasis, readers should treat the claims as reported statements by Somaliland officials rather than as independently verified commitments or proven resource inventories.