For more than 30 years, the self-declared Republic of Somaliland has sought international recognition — and failed. Now, under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro,” a new proposal is making the rounds in Washington: allow the United States to establish a military base and exploit mineral resources in Somaliland, in exchange for diplomatic recognition.
The offer is simple to state, but impossible to deliver.
Washington does not need to barter recognition for basing rights. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) itself has proposed U.S. facilities in Berbera, Kismayo and elsewhere as part of its security cooperation. American forces already operate in Somalia with Mogadishu’s consent, and U.S. officials maintain informal links with Hargeisa. As one Somali observer put it: “While the Federal Government provides the legal mandate and Somaliland facilitates on the ground, the U.S. is under no obligation to recognize Somaliland or redraw Somalia’s borders. Washington already has what it wants — both parties gave consent without demanding anything in return. In America’s eyes, Mogadishu is the elder son with formal authority; Hargeisa, the younger one who follows the lead.”
This is not a new tactic. Former Somaliland president Muse Bihi Abdi tried the same approach when he offered Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for recognition — a deal Mogadishu swiftly rejected.
Both Mogadishu and Hargeisa depend heavily on U.S. military aid, humanitarian relief and development funding. Strategically, they are already under Washington’s umbrella.
The “base-for-recognition” push looks less like a diplomatic breakthrough and more like political sleight of hand. Irro’s government faces mounting domestic pressures: an unresolved insurgency in Laascaanood, deep economic strain and the collapse of a controversial memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia.
The reality is straightforward: America does not need to trade recognition for a base — and Somaliland cannot trade a base for legitimacy. Recognition is not a commodity; it is a political act that reshapes the international order. That is a step Washington is unlikely to take in exchange for a lease.
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