Turkey’s Growing Role in Somalia’s Political Crisis Alarms Opposition

Turkey’s expanding role in Somalia has become a fresh source of political unease in Mogadishu, after reports surfaced of direct talks between Ankara’s envoy and opposition leaders increasingly wary of Turkish influence.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — New details have emerged about meetings and discussions between Turkish diplomats and Somali opposition politicians united under the Somali Future Council, amid growing accusations that Ankara is playing an increasingly visible role in Somalia’s internal political affairs.

Sources familiar with the talks say Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia recently met with members of the opposition alliance, who voiced alarm over what they described as Ankara’s perceived tilt toward one side in Somalia’s political crisis.

The opposition figures reportedly cautioned the ambassador that Turkey’s investments and strategic agreements in Somalia must not be harnessed for narrow political ends, arguing that doing so could erode confidence among the country’s political actors.

They pressed Turkey to stay above the fray in Somalia’s disputes, saying Ankara’s sizeable economic and strategic interests demand a balanced approach rather than support for any one faction.

According to the reports, the Turkish ambassador replied that Ankara is not aligned with any particular camp and is prepared to help bridge gaps among Somalia’s political leaders, particularly on disputed national issues that have deepened tensions.

Turkey maintains close ties and strategic agreements with Somalia’s federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose administration has faced mounting criticism from opposition groups over what they describe as a deeply contested political transition.

Ankara has also signed offshore oil exploration agreements with the federal government, with reports indicating that exploration activities are focused on parts of Somalia’s central coastal regions.

At the same time, Turkey, which already maintains military personnel in Somalia, is reportedly planning additional military bases in the country’s south, further intensifying debate over Ankara’s growing influence in Somalia’s politics and security sector.

A diplomat closely following Somali politics told Axadle that Turkey wants to see President Hassan Sheikh remain in power, which he said explains Ankara’s outreach to opposition leaders in an effort to reduce political tensions.

The same source said the Turkish ambassador had previously met with a delegation led by Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni, encouraging Puntland State to seek a political settlement with the federal government.

The Somali Future Council strongly opposes what it calls unilateral elections being pursued by the federal government, as well as amendments to Somalia’s 2012 provisional constitution and any term extension, which it describes as unconstitutional.

The developments come as Turkey, led for years by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, continues to deepen its strategic footprint in Somalia. Some Somali opposition politicians argue that Turkey’s non-federal system of governance may also shape Ankara’s perspective on Somalia’s federal political structure.

AXADLETM