Yemen Monitor / Mogadishu / Exclusive:
Somaliland’s new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, has offered the US access to a strategic military base near the Red Sea and critical mineral resources—including lithium— in exchange for official diplomatic recognition.
The breakaway region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has yet to gain international recognition despite decades of relative stability and self-governance.
Now, amid growing global interest in African resources and Red Sea security due to ongoing Houthi attacks, Somaliland is positioning itself as a reliable partner in a volatile region.
Abdillahi told Bloomberg that the separatist region is open to US cooperation in security, trade, and counterterrorism—and would also be willing to offer a deal involving key minerals, including lithium.
“If the US is interested in having a presence in Somaliland, it is very welcome,” he said. Talks with U.S. officials—including the Department of Defense and American diplomats in Somalia—have intensified. Abdillahi confirmed that high-ranking U.S. military personnel had recently visited the capital, Hargeisa.
Somaliland’s offer comes as the US seeks to reassert its influence in Africa amid growing competition with China. A foothold on the Red Sea would strengthen the U.S. strategic presence near Houthi activity and key shipping lanes.
Regarding the possibility of establishing a U.S. military base in the region, Abdillahi stated: “We are still discussing the issues on the table. We hope these discussions will bear fruit in the future.”
Washington remains firm in its recognition of Somalia’s territorial integrity. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that it is not seriously considering Somaliland’s request for recognition.
Despite diplomatic hurdles, Abdillahi emphasized that security and mineral partnerships could move forward regardless of official recognition—as part of a broader strategy to elevate Somaliland’s international standing.
