MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a noteworthy demonstration of international camaraderie and strategic foresight, Turkey has taken a bold step in support of Somalia’s ongoing battle against the al-Shabab militant faction. This past week, Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport witnessed the landing of two Turkish military planes, ushering in around 500 troops as a first wave. These soldiers form part of a larger contingent designated to fortify Somalia’s defense, marking a significant chapter in bilateral relations that has been unfolding over the years.
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The troops have been stationed at the formidable Turk-Som base, a sprawling Turkish military establishment located in the Jazeera sector of the capital. As Turkey’s largest military presence on the African continent, this base serves a dual purpose: a home for training and a symbol of enduring partnership. It’s in this nexus of cooperation that Somalia’s elite forces, notably the Gorgor units, find their mettle honed and strategies solidified.
Opened in 2017, Camp TurkSOM has become a conduit for training transformational leaders and warriors. It houses over 300 Turkish military personnel who diligently engage with Somali trainees. With facilities designed to accommodate up to 1,500 trainees simultaneously, this camp has graduated nearly 5,000 Somali fighters by 2023. Such numbers speak to the robust nature of this alliance and the tangible skills it seeks to impart.
The orchestration of this military deployment hangs on the provisions sanctioned by the Turkish Parliament in July 2024—an endorsement that empowers President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to authorize the dispatch of as many as 2,500 troops. Yet, a lingering question captivates observers: Will Turkish forces embrace a combat role, or restrict themselves to advisory and support functions akin to their American counterparts, who have been actively engaged in operations in the region?
The need for this reinforcement cannot be overstated. Al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaida, has been aggressively reclaiming territories previously liberated by Somali forces. Among their recent conquests is the pivotal town of Adan Yabal. A rekindled offensive from the group poses substantial challenges to the stability of a region that has seen its share of turmoil and hopes on the horizon.
Against this backdrop, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Erdoğan convened for strategic talks in Turkey. Their discussions pivoted around bolstering defensive measures and rekindling international collaboration—particularly as optimism wanes for the African Union-led AUSSOM mission. Could Egypt’s anticipated troop contribution to this effort breathe fresh life into the mission, or perhaps inspire a broader coalition of the willing?
Turkey’s commitment extends beyond mere military presence. Since 2011, Turkey has woven a fabric of support through investments in Somali infrastructure and the nurturing of its security apparatus. Through rigorous training, Turkish-backed Gorgor and Haramacad units have become linchpins in Somalia’s valiant counterterrorism maneuvers.
The Turkish intervention in Somalia, with its multifaceted approach, prompts introspection on the nature of international alliances. Are we witnessing the evolution of a new kind of diplomacy—one that seamlessly merges hard power with grassroots development? This narrative, unfolding in the heart of Africa, beckons us to consider the broader implications of such partnerships in shaping regional and global security dynamics.
AXADLETM
Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
