Turkey

Renewed Energy Alliances: Türkiye and Somalia On April 10, Türkiye and Somalia reached a significant milestone in their partnership during a signing ceremony in Ankara. This agreement marks a transformative expansion of their energy alliance, allowing Türkiye to explore three onshore blocks totaling nearly 16,000 square kilometers. The implications of this deal extend far beyond mere diplomatic gestures; they signify the dawning of a new era for Somalia's energy sector. For decades, Somalia's rich hydrocarbon reserves…

As the world turns its gaze towards Somalia, a complex tapestry of military engagement and geopolitical strategy unfolds. Last week, Ankara, amidst rising alarm regarding the ever-evolving security landscape in Somalia, significantly amplified its military footprint in the nation. This movement comes on the heels of a notable resurgence from the armed group Al-Shabab, which has recently made inroads near the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The stakes are particularly high; these areas, now under the control of Al-Shabab, serve…

Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…

In recent developments from central Somalia, it has become glaringly evident that Al Shabaab, the extremist group that has long plagued the region, has made significant territorial gains. Their coordinated offensive has allowed them to reassert their influence across vital areas in Galgudud, Hiraan, and Mudug. This resurgence occurs amidst notable shifts in international security support for Somalia, with Turkey expanding its military commitments while U.S. involvement appears to be waning. A recent map released…

Somalia's Parliamentary Committee Challenges Oil Deal with Turkey MOGADISHU, Somalia 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.…

Somalia-Turkey Oil Deal Sparks Controversy over Transparency By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - A confidential oil partnership has surfaced between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey, igniting a flurry of skepticism and public debate. Why the controversy? Many Somalis argue that the agreement was woven together with the threads of opacity. Could there be more beneath the surface? This clandestinely crafted deal, since unveiled through documents leaked by the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Recent reports indicate a significant shift in the dynamics of resource management in Somalia, particularly regarding its offshore oil and gas reserves. According to a comprehensive report from Nordic Monitor, Turkey stands to secure an astounding 90 percent of the revenue generated from these resources. This revelation raises several critical questions about the nature of international agreements and the potential ramifications for Somalia’s economic sovereignty. The full text of the agreement, which has…

Turkey to Secure Up to 90% of Somalia’s Oil and Gas Revenue, Document Reveals MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a scenario raising both eyebrows and questions, Turkey is set to receive a striking 90% of the revenues from Somalia's offshore oil and gas endeavors, as revealed in a document published by the Nordic Monitor on Tuesday. This agreement, signed on July 19, 2024, between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and the Somali Petroleum Authority, has…

Turkey Expands Energy Exploration in Bulgaria and Beyond In a noteworthy development for the energy sector, Turkey is currently engaged in negotiations to explore lucrative oil and gas opportunities in Bulgaria. This initiative, highlighted by Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, signals Turkey's ambitious plans not only for Bulgaria but also for Iraq and Libya. Turkey's state-owned energy enterprise, Turkiye Petrolleri AO (TPAO), is poised to ink an agreement next month with a foreign partner—whose identity remains…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a noteworthy demonstration of international camaraderie and strategic foresight, Turkey has taken a bold step in support of Somalia's ongoing battle against the al-Shabab militant faction. This past week, Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport witnessed the landing of two Turkish military planes, ushering in around 500 troops as a first wave. These soldiers form part of a larger contingent designated to fortify Somalia's defense, marking a significant chapter in bilateral relations that has…