Türkiye's evolving role in Somalia: from aid to strategic alignment and its impact on Somaliland
via The Reporter Ethiopia11 min read
Türkiye's engagement in Somalia has shifted from humanitarian aid and state support to a strategic alignment that reinforces Mogadishu's central authority and challenges Somaliland's aspirations. Initially, Türkiye balanced aid, infrastructure, and security cooperation without direct involvement in internal politics. However, recent developments indicate a stronger alignment with President Hassan Sheik Mohamud's centralized approach, which some argue struggles to accommodate Somalia’s federal reality. Türkiye's stance on Somaliland has also become more assertive, opposing any developments that might strengthen Somaliland's state-building or economic trajectory, a position reiterated during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s February 2026 visit to Addis Ababa. Türkiye has established significant structural footholds in Somalia, operating Mogadishu’s airport and port by 2013, and establishing the TURKSOM military base in 2017. These agreements were made in a weak institutional environment, giving Türkiye an advantage. The expanded defense and maritime agreement signed in early 2024, following the Ethiopia–Somaliland MoU, further positioned Türkiye at the center of Somalia’s maritime security. In March 2024, Türkiye signed a hydrocarbon cooperation agreement for oil and gas exploration, with its energy minister stating the aim to "strengthen Turkey’s presence in the Horn of Africa." By 2026, Türkiye launched its first deep-sea drilling mission off Somalia’s coast. These integrated
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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