Somaliland is willing to give the United States access to its minerals and military bases, a minister has told AFP, as the breakaway region of Somalia seeks international recognition. “We are willing to give exclusive (access to our minerals) to the United States. Also, we are open to offer military bases to the United States,” Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, told AFP in an interview on Saturday. And Khadar Hussein Abdi said he could not rule out the possibility of also allowing Israel to set up a military presence. Somaliland officials have said their soil is rich in lithium, coltan and other sought-after resources, though independent studies are lacking.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 22, 2026 11:25 UTC