Latest news with #Abdullahi
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Breakaway African region courts U.S. with military base, minerals in push for recognition
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is offering the United States a military base near the mouth of the Red Sea and access to critical minerals as part of its bid for international recognition. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and seeks U.S. recognition offering strategic cooperation. Somaliland's president is negotiating with U.S. officials for military and economic partnerships amid African geopolitics. Somaliland claims to provide security benefits, highlighting its peaceful status compared to Somalia's instability. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is offering the United States a military base near the mouth of the Red Sea and access to critical minerals as part of its bid for international recognition. Although Washington continues to recognise Somalia's sovereignty over the territory, Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi is actively courting US support, positioning the semi-autonomous region in the broader contest for strategic influence and resources in Africa, as both China and the US seek to deepen their footprint on the continent, according to a Bloomberg report. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who took office as president of Somaliland in 2024, said his administration is in talks with the U.S. Embassy in Somalia and the Department of Defence to forge new partnerships focused on security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation. Somaliland has sought international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. While Somalia has endured decades of civil war and Islamist insurgency, Somaliland has remained largely peaceful, making it an appealing partner for foreign powers looking to bolster regional security. ' If the US is interested to land in Somaliland they are most welcome,' Abdullahi said, adding he would be prepared to offer the US a critical-minerals deal for products such as lithium. Strategic stakes at the Red Sea gateway Recognising Somaliland could bolster America's strategic positioning at the Red Sea's gateway, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted ships linked to the U.S., Israel, and other nations supporting the war in Gaza. However, recognition poses diplomatic risks. Washington would have to weigh its support for Somaliland against its broader security ties with Somalia, where the U.S. has played a leading role in countering Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates. Though Ambassador Richard Riley and other American officials have met with Somaliland's leadership to explore mutual interests in the Horn of Africa, the U.S. State Department said it is not in active talks about recognising Somaliland as an independent state. 'The United States recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, which includes Somaliland,' the department said in a statement. President Abdullahi said he plans to visit the United States soon and emphasised that Somaliland's offer of economic and security cooperation, including potential deals on critical minerals, is not contingent on formal recognition from Washington or Donald Trump. When asked about the possibility of hosting a U.S. military base, he said discussions are still ongoing. 'We are now still discussing issues. We are looking forward to that discussion bearing fruit in the future,' he said. Somaliland's presence in Africa remains unanchored. Though it broke away from Somalia over 30 years ago, it has yet to gain formal recognition as an independent state from either the African Union (AU) or the United Nations (UN).
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Al Shabaab captures central Somali town, presses on with advance
Al Shabaab insurgents have seized the town of Tardo in Somalia's central Hiiran region and are pressing on with an advance that has already displaced thousands, a military official said. Tardo, a key crossroads linking larger urban centres, fell on Sunday after the al Qaeda-allied fighters of al Shabaab drove out government-allied clan fighters, Maj Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters. Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007 in a bid to topple the internationally-backed central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law. "The group is advancing to other areas after the fall of Tardo," Abdullahi said. Somali forces and local clan fighters, known as Macwiisleey, are mobilising for a counterattack, he added. A local elder, a clan fighter and a regional lawmaker confirmed the capture of Tardo, which could help al Shabaab move on to other bigger towns because of its position.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Al Shabaab captures central Somali town, presses on with advance
MOGADISHU (Reuters) -Al Shabaab insurgents have seized the town of Tardo in Somalia's central Hiiran region and are pressing on with an advance that has already displaced thousands, a military official said. Tardo, a key crossroads linking larger urban centres, fell on Sunday after the al Qaeda-allied fighters of al Shabaab drove out government-allied clan fighters, Major Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters. Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007 in a bid to topple the internationally-backed central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law. "The group is advancing to other areas after the fall of Tardo," Abdullahi said. Somali forces and local clan fighters, known as Macwiisleey, are mobilising for a counterattack, he added. A local elder, a clan fighter and a regional lawmaker confirmed the capture of Tardo - which could help al Shabaab move on to other bigger towns because of its position. Al Shabaab's offensive in the region has escalated since early this year. Previous advances reached within 50 km (30 miles) of the national capital Mogadishu, though Somali forces recaptured those villages. "We are discussing with Hiraan people about plans to recapture the towns from al Shabaab," Abdullahi said. About 100 soldiers had been deployed to reinforce local fighters, he added. Regional lawmaker Dahir Amin told Reuters at least 12,500 families have fled Tardo and the nearby town of Muqokori, which al Shabaab said it captured last week. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Editing by Andrew HeavensWriting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Anbdrew Heavens)
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Straits Times
Al Shabaab captures central Somali town, presses on with advance
Find out what's new on ST website and app. MOGADISHU - Al Shabaab insurgents have seized the town of Tardo in Somalia's central Hiiran region and are pressing on with an advance that has already displaced thousands, a military official said. Tardo, a key crossroads linking larger urban centres, fell on Sunday after the al Qaeda-allied fighters of al Shabaab drove out government-allied clan fighters, Major Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters. Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007 in a bid to topple the internationally-backed central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law. "The group is advancing to other areas after the fall of Tardo," Abdullahi said. Somali forces and local clan fighters, known as Macwiisleey, are mobilising for a counterattack, he added. A local elder, a clan fighter and a regional lawmaker confirmed the capture of Tardo - which could help al Shabaab move on to other bigger towns because of its position. Al Shabaab's offensive in the region has escalated since early this year. Previous advances reached within 50 km (30 miles) of the national capital Mogadishu, though Somali forces recaptured those villages. "We are discussing with Hiraan people about plans to recapture the towns from al Shabaab," Abdullahi said. About 100 soldiers had been deployed to reinforce local fighters, he added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Public healthcare institutions to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes: MOH, HSA Singapore Man allegedly attacks woman with knife at Kallang Wave Mall, to be charged with attempted murder Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat Regional lawmaker Dahir Amin told Reuters at least 12,500 families have fled Tardo and the nearby town of Muqokori, which al Shabaab said it captured last week. REUTERS
First Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Trump To Recognise Somaliland, Infuriate Somalia? President Abdullahi Hints Firstpost Africa
Trump To Recognise Somaliland, Infuriate Somalia? President Abdullahi Hints |Firstpost Africa | N18G Trump To Recognise Somaliland, Infuriate Somalia? President Abdullahi Hints |Firstpost Africa | N18G Somaliland's new President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi says the territory is closer than ever to international recognition. President Abdullahi added that it was just a matter of time now. Reports say the US could be leading efforts to recognise Somaliland. Any such move may infuriate Somalia, but in return, reports say, Washington will be building a military base near the port of Berbera, which is a strategic location on the Gulf of Aden. Somaliland's President says the territory has been strengthening security ties with the US and together have been fighting terrorism and ensuring trade safety in the marine routes in the region. In April, US aircraft carriers, off the coast of Somaliland, played a key role in America's bombing raids on Houthi targets in Yemen. Will the US dump Somalia and recognise Somaliland for strategic advantage in the Horn of Africa? See More
