April 12, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal day at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya, Turkiye, when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took the stage at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), offering a compelling narrative of hope and resilience. Under the bright lights of the forum, President Mohamud spoke with sincerity and determination, charting Somalia’s progress in counterterrorism and acknowledging Türkiye as a staunch ally.
“Türkiye and Somalia are real partners based on mutual interests,” he asserted, reflecting a heartfelt camaraderie that spans continents. Reminiscing about how Somalia has transitioned from a state of collapse to one of fragility, Mohamud revealed the trials and triumphs of his nation. “Our state institutions, though not fully matured, have made remarkable progress over recent years.” His words painted a picture of a nation slowly but surely reclaiming its place on the global stage.
In a world fraught with uncertainty and shadowed by terror, Somalia stands firm against organizations like Al-Shabaab and ISIS. Mohamud’s assurance that international heavyweights including the UN, the African Union, and countries like the U.S., Türkiye, and the U.K., along with neighboring nations, continue to lend their support, reinforces a spirit of collective endeavor. Yet, despite this international backing, Mohamud proudly emphasized, “The fight against terrorism is being led by Somalia.”
Isn’t it thought-provoking? For the first time since 1969, Somalia will hold elections, turning a new page in its national history. With Somalia securing a seat on the UN Security Council representing East Africa, and as an active member of the Arab League, Mohamud’s optimism for the country’s rightful standing on the international front was palpable. Even though terror organizations pursue global agendas, Mohamud pointed out, they’ve found fertile ground in Somalia due to past upheavals. But the Somali people see through these facades now, rejecting the false narratives that distort their nation’s identity.
“There is no place for terrorism in Somalia,” Mohamud declared with unwavering confidence. It’s a sentiment that resonates deep within humanity: the aspiration to live free of fear. As a country that wishes to voice the struggles of others facing similar challenges, Somalia intents to be a beacon of hope for other nations caught in similar geopolitical crosswinds.
Amidst discussion of global realignments and shifting priorities, Mohamud noted the difficulty developing nations face in “marketing” their interests. “Expressing our national interests clearly to global and regional powers, and framing them for mutual benefit, has been crucial,” he explained. Somalia’s strategic location and rich resources are undeniable, yet fragile institutions have often seen others seek extraction rather than collaboration.
The essence of progress lies in reform, and Somalia is keen on reinforcing its commitment to the African Union’s Vision 2063 Agenda. Can Africa indeed transform into a continental free trade area? Mohamud shared his hopes and efforts for this ambitious goal.
When discussing the diverse but shared history with Ethiopia, Mohamud acknowledged the past’s violence, which has historically drained both nations. Coups, revolutions, and defense heavy postures often overshadowed opportunities for peace. Nevertheless, “The Ankara Declaration has paved the way for a brighter future for both nations.” It’s a declaration enriching one of the world’s longest-standing relationships through dialogue and cooperation. As Ethiopia and Somalia stand together, their diplomatic missions in Türkiye signal a new chapter of mutual respect and peace.
Reflecting on the harrowing famine of 2010-2011, Mohamud recalled a transformative moment. “When then-Prime Minister and now President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Somalia with family and Cabinet, it told the world our nation is to be embraced, not forsaken.” That gesture of solidarity from Türkiye still lingers in many hearts, defining a friendship that stands steadfast against adversity.
The issue of Palestine rings deeply for Mohamud, who asserts it as a moral and religious calling for Somalia. Firm on a peaceful two-state solution, his stance is unequivocal. Amidst whispers of relocating Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia, which self-identifies as independent, Mohamud was candid: “North Western State of Somalia is part of Somalia. No one has approached us with such a plan. To remove Palestinians from their ancestral land is no remedy.” His words reminded us of the enduring connection between people and their lands, binding stories passed through generations.
As he concluded his address at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, President Mohamud’s vision for Somalia was clear: a nation resilient, standing tall, and inextricably linked to the navigation of global challenges. What stories will Somalia write next? Only time will unfold its tapestry, woven with history and hope, learning and leadership.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
