MOGADISHU — Turkey’s energetic foray into oil and gas discovery near Somalia’s shores has stirred up a hornet’s nest of tensions. Northeastern State, Somalia’s most senior Federal State, finds itself in a tussle with Mogadishu on the prickly issue of maritime borders.
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The arrival of Oruc Reis, a Turkish seismic survey ship, has dialed up Turkey’s focus on Somalia, much to the chagrin of Northeastern State’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, along with his aides.
Deni and his team claim the central government is manipulating maritime borders to tilt things in Turkey’s favor. This accusation revives longstanding disputes over sovereignty. The bone of contention seems to be a map pushed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a map that Northeastern State’s authorities perceive as a direct affront to their territory.
The ruckus underscores the delicate dance between Somalia’s national framework and its regional factions, wafting in questions about who gets what from oil money and how resources are managed. Turkey, with its cocktail of military alliances and infrastructure projects, has taken on a leading role. Yet, many eyebrows are raised, seeing this as Turkey sticking its nose too far in, which could further toss Somalia into turmoil.
The central government’s cold shoulder to Northeastern State’s grievances spurs whispers about the intricate political games being played, notably since Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, huddled with Somali bigwigs, affirming Ankara’s pledge to the nation’s security and growth.
Voices against this deep Turkish involvement fret over Somalia’s internal fractures widening, suspecting regional leadership might be tossed aside for more centralized power. Such a scenario could set a trend for future deals linked to resources, hinting that Somalia might need to rethink its international collaborations.
It’s about more than just monetary hopes; it cuts to the heart of Somalia’s federal structure, sovereignty, and diplomatic moves in a world where natural bounty could either bind the nation together or rip it asunder.
AXADLETM
