Somaliland Courts US With Base Offer, Critical Minerals
Strategic Port Access and Resources Spur Diplomatic Dance
The self-declared nation of Somaliland is making a significant play for international recognition, proposing a strategic military base and access to vital mineral resources to the United States. This move positions the East African territory within the broader geopolitical contest for influence and resources on the continent.
A Bid for Recognition
Somaliland, which severed ties with Somalia in 1991, is actively seeking U.S. support for its independence. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who assumed office in 2024, is engaging with the U.S. Embassy in Somalia and the Department of Defense to cultivate partnerships focused on security, counter-terrorism, and economic collaboration.
“If the US is interested to land in Somaliland they are most welcome,” stated President Abdullahi, expressing readiness to offer deals on critical minerals, including lithium. He also indicated plans for a U.S. visit to further these discussions.
Strategic Stakes at the Red Sea Gateway
The potential establishment of a U.S. base near the Red Sea’s mouth could significantly enhance American strategic positioning. This region is currently a flashpoint, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting maritime traffic linked to nations supporting the war in Gaza.
However, formal recognition of Somaliland presents diplomatic complexities. Washington must balance its potential engagement with Somaliland against existing security partnerships with Somalia, where the U.S. plays a crucial role in combating extremist groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates.
While U.S. Ambassador Richard Riley and other officials have met with Somaliland’s leadership to explore shared interests, the State Department maintains it is not currently in discussions regarding recognition. A department statement affirmed, “The United States recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, which includes Somaliland.”
President Abdullahi emphasized that Somaliland’s offers of economic and security cooperation are independent of formal U.S. recognition. He confirmed ongoing discussions about hosting a U.S. military base, stating, “We are now still discussing issues. We are looking forward to that discussion bearing fruit in the future.”
Unrecognized Sovereignty
Despite its relative peace compared to the ongoing civil war and insurgency in Somalia, Somaliland’s quest for international acknowledgment remains challenging. It has not yet received formal recognition from the African Union or the United Nations.
Ethiopia stands as the sole nation to have recognized Somaliland’s sovereignty, a move that generated regional tensions early last year. The Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape continues to be shaped by these complex relationships and strategic resource considerations. In 2023, the World Bank estimated that mineral exports from East African countries could grow significantly with improved infrastructure and governance (World Bank, 2023).
