Somaliland is trying to become an officially recognized country, and it’s making bold offers to get international support. A top government official just announced they’re willing to give special deals to the United States involving valuable minerals and military bases.
Somaliland’s Big Pitch to America
Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s Presidential Office Minister, stated they’re prepared to grant “exclusive access” to their mineral resources and allow US military bases on their soil. “We believe we will agree on something with the United States,” he told reporters.
The Long Quest for Recognition
Somaliland broke away from Somalia back in 1991 after a brutal civil war. While Somalia struggled with conflict, Somaliland built its own stable government and institutions. For over 30 years, no country officially acknowledged it as independent – until recently.
Israelital’s Historic Move
In December, Israel became the first and only country to recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (known as Cirro), praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for showing “leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.”
Deals on the Table
Somaliland isn’t stopping with Israel. Minister Abdi confirmed Somaliland has also offered Israel special access to its natural resources and hasn’t ruled out letting Israel set up military bases. Officials claim Somaliland has valuable minerals like lithium and coltan – materials crucial for things like smartphones and electric cars.
Why Location Matters
Somaliland sits in a strategic spot across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. This area is important for global shipping routes. However, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched attacks from there, sometimes targeting Israeli interests to support Palestinians.
Mixed Reactions Worldwide
Not everyone is happy. Somalia strongly condemned Israel’s recognition, calling it an attack on Somalia’s territory. Most African and Arab nations support Somalia’s position and want Israel to withdraw its recognition.
What About the US?
The US hasn’t officially changed its stance on Somaliland yet. But former President Donald Trump hinted last August he might look into the issue more closely. Somaliland’s leaders hope their offers will convince the US to become their second official ally.
Somaliland’s Strategy
These offers of military access and valuable minerals are part of Somaliland’s push to gain more global recognition. Getting powerful countries like the US or Israel as partners could lend legitimacy to their decades-long claim of independence.
