Turkey’s Erdogan warns Ethiopia: recognizing North Western State of Somalia offers no benefits

Erdogan tells Ethiopia it would gain nothing from recognizing North Western State of Somalia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during an official visit to Addis Ababa that Ethiopia would gain no benefit from recognizing North Western State of Somalia, underscoring Ankara’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Erdogan said he conveyed the message directly to Abiy, arguing that any formal move to recognize the self-declared republic would not serve Ethiopia’s interests. He emphasized that Turkey places a high priority on preserving Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, a stance that has guided Ankara’s deepening engagement across the Horn of Africa.

The Turkish leader also reiterated his government’s opposition to Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, saying such a move “does not serve the interests of North Western State of Somalia or the wider Horn of Africa.”

In December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a declaration that drew sharp criticism from Somalia and several regional actors. Erdogan’s comments signal that Ankara will continue to align with Mogadishu’s position and resist efforts to alter the geopolitical status quo in the region.

Erdogan’s intervention comes amid reports that North Western State of Somalia and Ethiopia are negotiating a new agreement that could pave the way for Addis Ababa to extend formal recognition in the near future. Such a step would mark a significant shift in the Horn of Africa’s diplomatic landscape and could test relations with Somalia, which opposes any moves that challenge its territorial claims.

Turkey has expanded its diplomatic and strategic footprint in the region in recent years, particularly in Somalia, where it maintains close political, economic and security ties with the federal government in Mogadishu. Ankara’s investments, humanitarian aid and security cooperation have positioned Turkey as a key partner for Somali authorities, giving it leverage and a vested interest in maintaining Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Erdogan’s visit to Addis Ababa highlights Ankara’s growing role in regional affairs as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Horn of Africa. By cautioning Ethiopia against recognition and opposing Israel’s stance, Turkey is signaling it intends to remain an influential actor in shaping outcomes in a strategically sensitive corridor that links the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.