The whispers of a controversial agreement have become a loud outcry as Somalia’s Parliamentary Natural Resources Committee firmly stands against an oil and gas deal that casts a long shadow over transparency and national interest. With the leak of documents laying bare the contents of this agreement with Turkey, the revelations are nothing short of eye-opening. Imagine handing over 90% of your wealth to an outsider. This is what the contract entailed—Turkey benefiting from the offshore oil and gas production revenues to a disproportionate degree, while Somalia scrapes through with a mere 5%.

The signatory of this contentious agreement? Abdirisak Omar Mohamed. The agreement was inked in the early months of 2024, drawing a veil over the usual and expected parliamentary consultations. Lawmakers now assert that they were entirely bypassed, an allegation that sits uncomfortably with Somalia’s constitution and legal codes. One cannot help but wonder, why was Parliament kept in the dark? Does this oversight signify a more profound discord within the government structures?

As one committee member put it plainly, “The fact that Turkey gets the lion’s share while Somalia receives just 5% is unacceptable and shocking.” His words are more than just a reflection of dismay—they are an indictment of priorities. Does this deal reflect the best interest of Somalia, or have we witnessed a strategic mishandling steeped in opacity and foreign advantage?

Confidence is a delicate thread in political discourse; once frayed, it is difficult to mend. The revelation of this deal has sparked a wildfire of public criticism in Somalia. Citizens, together with civil society organizations, demand illumination—how was such an agreement cobbled together away from public scrutiny? This clandestine deal has, predictably, fanned national debates. Who truly controls Somalia’s resources? Is the country’s sovereignty being subtly eroded under the guise of economic partnership?

“Public transparency is the cornerstone of democracy,” observed a concerned citizen, visibly frustrated by the government’s silence.

There is an old saying, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” As every corner of this deal gets examined under the metaphorical magnifying glass, Somalians—resilient and steadfast—demand the sunlight of transparency to better understand who benefits and why. Every citizen has a stake in this exposure; after all, these resources are their national heritage.

In such a climate of suspicion and inquisitiveness, it is worth questioning: What steps will the government take to restore trust? Have we reached an epoch where the disclosure of hidden decisions becomes the new norm for governmental practices? These questions hang in the air like echoes, expecting answers that seem slow in coming.

As the debate continues to simmer, one might ponder on Somali society’s future, delicately balanced between external influences and self-determination. It’s a familiar story: political agreement vs. public interest. Yet, each time it resurfaces, it demands introspection and action.