HARGEISA (SD) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has stated that his government has established strong ties with the US Department of Defense and the Department of State, expressing its readiness to host a US military base in the port city of Berbera.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the president emphasized that Somaliland is willing to offer the US a deal on critical mineral resources, particularly lithium, as part of its efforts to gain international recognition.

While acknowledging that recognition remains Somaliland’s top priority, President Irro emphasized the need to engage with the international community on shared interests, including security, trade, counterterrorism, piracy, and human trafficking.

“If the US is interested in establishing a military base in Somaliland, we welcome it,” the president said, adding that he is prepared to grant the US access to lithium reserves.

Although Somaliland has not yet begun lithium production, a Saudi-based company, Kilomass Co., has previously been granted exploration rights for potential lithium deposits, as reported by Somaliland in June 2024.

Additionally, Somaliland possesses other valuable resources, including tin, gemstones, and industrial minerals such as gypsum, ceramics, and gold, according to a 2023 report by African Mining.

President Irro revealed plans for an official visit to the US to discuss broader bilateral cooperation, clarifying that Somaliland is not making formal recognition a prerequisite for these agreements.

“The agreements we seek with the US are not conditional on recognition, but we believe such cooperation can foster better understanding and goodwill,” he said.

The president outlined Somaliland’s long-term strategy, which focuses on maintaining stability, boosting economic growth, and strengthening international partnerships—key steps toward achieving formal recognition.

He reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to peace, democracy, and regional security, emphasizing its role in stabilizing the Horn of Africa and safeguarding the interests of allied nations.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) stated that now is the time for the international community to recognize Somaliland’s strategic importance and respond to its longstanding quest for recognition.