The breakaway region of Somaliland has signaled a major shift in its foreign policy by offering the United States access to its untapped mineral resources and potential military bases, according to a statement from Somaliland’s minister of the presidency.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been widely recognised internationally, is using the proposal to advance both its quest for formal recognition and its strategic ties with global powers. The announcement reflects growing geopolitical interest in the Horn of Africa as global powers seek footholds near vital maritime routes and resource‑rich territories.
In comments reported by RFI, the Somaliland official said the self‑declared republic is prepared to provide access to its mineral wealth, which analysts say includes deposits of gold, salt, gypsum, limestone and potentially rare earth elements, in exchange for deepened political and security cooperation with Washington. The offer also extends to the possibility of hosting U.S. military personnel and strategic facilities, underscoring Somaliland’s desire to attract defence partnerships that could bolster both its security and claims to statehood.
For years, Somaliland has positioned itself as one of the more stable parts of the Horn of Africa, maintaining functioning institutions, relatively peaceful elections and a secure environment compared with much of neighbouring Somalia. These factors have made it attractive to international actors focused on counter‑terrorism, maritime security and regional stability. In 2020, the U.S. government authorised a diplomatic presence in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, though it stopped short of recognising independence.
The latest proposal appears aimed at solidifying that relationship. Access to minerals, particularly those increasingly vital for technology and energy industries, has become a strategic priority globally. Rare earth elements and critical minerals, for example, are essential for everything from renewable energy infrastructure to advanced electronics and defence applications. While Somaliland’s full resource potential remains underexplored, early geological surveys and exploratory findings have spurred interest among investors.
Opening military facilities to the U.S. would expand America’s strategic reach along the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. The Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, which lies between Somalia and Yemen, is a critical chokepoint for global energy and trade flows. Enhanced U.S. access could support operations focused on maritime security, anti‑piracy efforts and broader regional stability missions.
However, the proposal also presents diplomatic sensitivities. The federal government in Mogadishu opposes foreign recognition of Somaliland’s independence and has long maintained that Somaliland remains part of Somalia’s sovereign territory. Any move by the U.S. to formalise security or resource deals with Hargeisa could inflame tensions with Mogadishu and complicate broader U.S. engagement in the Horn of Africa, including counter‑terrorism cooperation and development assistance.
Regional powers have varied reactions. Ethiopia has maintained cautious engagement with Somaliland, engaging in trade and transport cooperation while stopping short of political recognition. Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have also shown interest in infrastructure and logistics partnerships in the region.
For its part, Washington has balanced strategic cooperation with careful diplomacy, recognising the importance of stability and unity in Somalia while weighing security interests tied to counter‑terrorism and maritime trade. The U.S. already maintains a small liaison presence in Hargeisa and has previously engaged with Somaliland authorities on security initiatives.
Analysts say any deepening of military or mineral access would require careful legal and diplomatic navigation, given the contested status of Somaliland and potential repercussions for relations with Mogadishu. The offer underscores Somaliland’s push for international legitimacy and economic development, but turning promises into formal agreements may be a complex process involving multiple stakeholders and regional diplomatic considerations.
