Somaliland Proposes U.S. Base and Mineral Access to Gain International Recognition

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro has offered to host a U.S. military base in Berbera and grant access to lithium and other mineral resources, aiming to strengthen ties with Washington and boost the push for international recognition. He emphasized cooperation in security and trade, and announced plans to visit the U.S. for further discussions.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro has declared his administration’s willingness to host a U.S. military base in the strategic port city of Berbera and offer access to key mineral resources, including lithium, as part of a broader push for international recognition.

In an interview with Bloomberg, President Cirro disclosed that Somaliland has developed “good relations” with both the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of State. These growing ties with Washington signal a new phase in the self-declared republic’s diplomatic efforts.

“If the U.S. is interested in establishing a base in Somaliland, we welcome it,” Cirro stated, emphasizing his government’s readiness to strike a deal involving the mineral lithium. Lithium is a vital element in the production of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems. Although Somaliland does not yet produce lithium, the Saudi Arabian firm Kilomass Co. was granted rights in 2024 to explore areas believed to contain lithium deposits, according to the Somaliland Chronicle.

Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has yet to gain international recognition but continues to pursue its sovereignty through internal stability, democratic governance, and engagement with global actors.

“Our main goal remains international recognition,” Cirro said. “But the path to that goal lies in cooperating with the world on security, trade, counterterrorism, piracy, and smuggling.”

Berbera, located along the Gulf of Aden, is already home to a military presence from the United Arab Emirates and serves as a logistics hub for regional maritime operations. The potential for the U.S. to expand its military reach in the Horn of Africa positions Somaliland as a key player in a region of increasing geopolitical importance.

In addition to prospective lithium resources, Somaliland holds deposits of iron ore, gemstones, gypsum, and gold, as noted in a 2023 African Mining report. President Cirro views the country’s untapped natural resources as a compelling reason for deeper international collaboration.

The president also revealed plans to visit the United States to explore expanded bilateral ties. “The agreements we are entering into with the United States are not conditional on recognition, but we believe that such cooperation can foster better understanding and appreciation,” he said.

Cirro affirmed that Somaliland’s long-term vision is rooted in sustaining peace, growing its economy, and building stronger international relationships—all as part of its continued campaign for formal statehood.

Although not officially recognized, Somaliland has maintained a stable, functioning government, conducted democratic elections, and developed its own currency, security apparatus, and passport system. This recent diplomatic outreach to the United States marks a significant step in its decades-long pursuit of legitimacy on the world stage.