Turkey is sending weapons to Somalia during a sensitive election period
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Turkey has sent a shipment of weapons and armored vehicles to Somalia during a season of foreign interference in the country’s internal political affairs.
Sources familiar with the Defense Ministry told Axadlethat a Turkish cargo plane with weapons and military equipment intended to arm Gorgor forces landed at Mogadishu Airport on Monday.
Opposition candidates and Northeastern State President Said Deni were already furious, expressing concern over these weapons coming from Turkey to the country in such a “sensitive election period.”
They fear that the sophisticated weapons will be used by the Turkish specialized forces to control upcoming elections in the long-chaotic country that was postponed due to political disagreements.
The outgoing Somali president Farmajo, whose term ended on February 8, could use Gorgor to “rig” the election, and this has put Turkey’s growing involvement in the country in focus.
Last month, several protesters were killed and some wounded in Mogadishu during a peaceful protest against the delayed election when the Harama’ad police trained by Turkey opened live bullets on them.
The Turkish-trained Somali troops are more active in politics than their role in the fight against Al-Shabab terrorists. Opposition candidates condemned Farmajo’s attempt to use force for political gain.
In late 2017, Turkey set up its largest overseas military base, which reportedly cost $ 50 million. On the outskirts of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, increasing Ankara’s foothold in the nation. Camp TURKSOM has the capacity to train at least 1,500 soldiers at a time.
Speaking to the BBC’s Somali service, President Deni warned of security risks by Haram’ad and Gorgor soldiers, who are considered loyal to the outgoing president after circulating the airport where he is staying.
The president of Northeastern State called on international partners to play a role in addressing how Somali national forces are controlled and who will be in charge of their commanding duties, as Farmajo’s constitutional powers to govern the country are over.
AXADLETM
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