Turkey’s Military and Aid Efforts in Somalia Spark Lawmaker Concerns
Turkey’s Expanding Footprint in Somalia: A Strategic Alliance with Implications
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Mogadishu (AX) — In recent years, Turkey has been deepening its political, economic, and military presence in Somalia. Through new embassy developments, ongoing security cooperation, and staggering aid commitments surpassing $1 billion, Turkey’s influence has grown significantly. This dynamic engagement has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism within the Turkish Parliament.
On July 17, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly delved into a 2019 agreement focused on the mutual allocation of land for embassies. This agreement, submitted for ratification this month, allows Turkey to occupy over 61,000 square meters in Mogadishu—home to its largest embassy compound worldwide. In return, Turkey is constructing Somalia’s new chancery and ambassadorial residence on a modest 4,918-square-meter plot in Ankara’s Incek diplomatic enclave.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz passionately defended this arrangement, reiterating the significance of Turkey’s long-term commitment to Somalia. He characterized the bilateral relationship as not just “special,” but also “strategic.” Drawing a parallel to Turkey’s activities in Syria, Yılmaz noted, “Once a country ensures security in a partner state, opportunities for Turkish businesses naturally arise.” This raises an important question: What does this security-first approach mean for the economic landscape of Somali-Turkish relations?
Yet not all lawmakers were convinced. MP Utku Çakırözer articulated concerns about the opacity surrounding the Somali embassy project. He questioned the costs incurred by Turkey and sought clarity on preventative measures against potential misuse of diplomatic properties. “We are not only giving the land but also constructing the building,” he observed. “Shouldn’t this arrangement be subject to stricter scrutiny?”
Fellow committee member Yunus Emre echoed these concerns, particularly regarding accountability. Foreign Ministry officials responded that the land would solely serve diplomatic purposes and would require Turkey’s consent for any transfer. Disputes, they noted, would adhere to diplomatic norms and resolve amicably outside international courts, a common practice in bilateral relations.
Yılmaz acknowledged the committee’s critiques but remained steadfastly supportive of the deal’s strategic merits. “This isn’t a typical bilateral relationship,” he asserted, underlining Turkey’s potential role as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa.
Turkey’s involvement in Somalia has waxed and waned since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s landmark visit in 2011. Since then, Turkey has emerged as Somalia’s most prominent foreign ally, actively engaging in defence, development, and diplomatic efforts. The Anatolia Barracks—Turkey’s largest military base abroad—has trained over 15,000 Somali troops since 2017. Both Turkish and Somali officials tout the base’s role in combating al-Shabab, with ceremonies marking troop graduations becoming more frequent.
Meanwhile, Turkey extends its reach beyond military assistance; humanitarian efforts via the Turkish Red Crescent and infrastructural projects under the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) reinforce Turkey’s commitment. Notably, the Turkish-funded Mogadishu Teaching and Research Hospital is just one example, functioning as a vital healthcare facility amid ongoing challenges.
However, this security engagement has not been without controversy. In 2022, a United Nations Panel of Experts accused Turkey of violating the international arms embargo on Somalia, noting the controversial delivery of Bayraktar TB2 drones aboard Turkish military aircraft. This incident raises unsettling questions about governance and adherence to international norms.
Refik Ali Onaner, director of North and East Africa at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, highlighted that Turkey has contributed over $1 billion in aid since 2011, including a noteworthy $3.5 million allocation toward Somalia’s debt settlement with the International Monetary Fund. “Our diplomatic compound in Mogadishu has become a regional hub for influence,” he proclaimed, yet critics fear the transparency of this influence remains troublingly murky.
Domestic discourse increasingly questions Turkey’s financial allocations. Some lawmakers argue that these resources benefit firms closely tied to Erdoğan rather than the broader Somali populace. Allegations suggest contracts masquerading as aid disproportionately favor politically connected companies engaged in Somalia.
Economic indicators also point to potential stagnation. Bilateral trade has indeed declined, from $426 million in 2023 to $384 million in 2024. While Turkish firms maintain management over strategic assets like the Port of Mogadishu and Aden Adde International Airport, the 2013 airport concession remains a hotbed of political contention.
During the recent committee hearing, MP Çakırözer posed a compelling question: Has Somalia reciprocated Turkey’s generous support on matters crucial to Ankara, such as its request for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)? “We say this relationship is special,” he mused, “but what does that mean if Somalia doesn’t engage on important issues for us?”
Despite these complications, ruling party representatives defended the ongoing engagement. MP Derya Bakbak emphasized that Somalia’s trust in Turkey stems from its historical non-colonial approach. “Wherever Turkey goes, it brings justice, development, and sincerity,” she asserted, painting the partnership as not just practical but deeply meaningful.
As the Foreign Affairs Committee prepares to advance the embassy protocol for a full parliamentary vote in the forthcoming weeks, one can wonder: In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, what will be the ultimate impact of this strategic partnership on Somalia, Turkey, and the broader Horn of Africa?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring