US May Access Somalilands Minerals and Military Bases, Report Suggests

Somaliland Minister Offers Exclusive Rights to US in Pursuit of Global Recognition

A senior minister from the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland has announced that the territory is willing to grant exclusive access to its mineral resources and military bases to the United States. Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, made the statement during an interview with AFP news agency on Saturday.

According to Abdi, Somaliland is open to offering these rights to the US as part of its efforts to secure international recognition. The territory has been seeking recognition since declaring its autonomy from Somalia in 1991.

Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in December, a move that has been met with criticism from Somalia and other countries. However, Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, has welcomed Israel’s recognition, praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.

Abdi also mentioned that Somaliland could potentially allow Israel to set up a military presence on the territory. The region is located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where Houthi rebels have attacked Israeli assets in solidarity with Palestinians.

Somaliland’s natural resources are believed to include lithium, coltan, and other sought-after materials, although independent studies are lacking. The US has yet to signal a major shift on the question of Somaliland, but Abdi expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached.

Source: Al Jazeera