Somaliland offers the US a base and minerals in exchange for recognition
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Businessman Holding Card of Somaliland Flag
Somaliland Offers US Base and Minerals in Bid for International Recognition
Omega TV UK- Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that broke away from Somalia in 1991, is stepping up efforts to gain international recognition starting with the United States. In a bold diplomatic move, the region is offering the US access to a strategic military base and critical minerals in exchange for official acknowledgment of its sovereignty.
Red Sea Military Access on the Table
At the heart of the offer is a military base near the Red Sea, a vital global shipping route. Somaliland officials believe that allowing the US to operate from their territory could boost Washington’s military presence in the Horn of Africa, especially amid rising regional competition and global security concerns.
Rich in Minerals and Geopolitical Potential
Besides military cooperation, Somaliland is also highlighting its untapped mineral wealth. The region’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, is positioning mineral access including rare earth elements crucial for global technology industries as part of a strategic deal with the US.
Seeking Diplomatic Shift in US Policy
Currently, the US officially recognizes Somalia’s claim to Somaliland, despite the region’s decades of self-governance and stability. President Abdullahi is actively engaging with US diplomats, aiming to change that stance. His administration is pushing for a formal shift in American foreign policy to reflect the reality on the ground in Somaliland.
Talks with US Officials Underway
President Abdullahi confirmed that discussions have already begun with the US Embassy in Somalia and the US Department of Defence. These conversations, he says, center on building a new strategic alliance that would encompass defense cooperation, economic investment, and joint counter-terrorism efforts.
Military Officials Visit Hargeisa
As part of ongoing engagement, senior US military personnel have recently visited Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital. Among the visitors was the top US officer in the Horn of Africa, whose presence signals growing interest in the region’s potential role in American military planning.
Somaliland’s Stable Track Record
Although unrecognized, Somaliland has held regular democratic elections and maintained relative peace and order since its self-declared independence. Its stable governance and effective institutions have drawn praise from international observers, adding weight to its bid for recognition.
Strategic Importance of the Horn of Africa
Analysts say US recognition of Somaliland could bolster America’s geopolitical influence in East Africa, particularly as global powers like China and Russia expand their presence on the continent. With its location at the southern mouth of the Red Sea, Somaliland offers a key vantage point for regional and maritime security operations.
Growing Interest in African Partnerships
The US has recently shown renewed interest in strengthening ties with African partners. Somaliland’s proposal may fit within Washington’s broader strategy to engage with emerging regional players, particularly those offering strategic benefits and reliable governance.
International Recognition Remains Elusive
Despite its strong internal record and mounting diplomatic outreach, Somaliland has yet to be formally recognized by any country. The African Union and the United Nations continue to back a unified Somalia, complicating the path toward sovereignty for the breakaway region.
What Recognition Could Mean
If the US were to recognize Somaliland, it could pave the way for other nations to follow suit, shifting diplomatic norms and potentially unlocking international funding and investment. For now, Somaliland continues to push its case, banking on its strategic location and mineral wealth to win over Washington.
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