Defense Deal Deepens Türkiye’s Influence in Somalia

Türkiye and Somalia signed a framework agreement for defense and economic cooperation in February. Although the details of the agreement have not been disclosed, the deal has sparked much speculation. More information will be made public after the approval of both parties, and as the countries’ parliaments examine the deal.

There is, however, no doubt that the agreement is extremely significant. Although the agreement is not yet official, it is expected to give Türkiye de facto responsibility for the security of Somalia’s territorial waters. This will be in line with Ankara’s efforts to bolster its influence in Africa in general, and in the Horn of Africa in particular. 

This agreement is a result of many years of active Turkish diplomacy. Turkish-Somali relations have gained good momentum, especially since Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Somalia during his term as prime minister. Turkey now embassies in 48 African countries, and has been making efforts to strengthen its relations with Somalia, diplomatically, militarily and economically. 

Indeed, the February deal is just the latest in a string of Turkish efforts to build stronger ties with Somalia, which have also included a humanitarian aid program that was launched in 2011, and military activities. This agreement should thus be read as a continuation of this growing process of cooperation, not as a radical development in the context of Turkish-Somali relations. In other words, the agreement is start of the second phase of a process that began accelerating in 2011. 

Turkey is already assisting the Somali state in combating terrorism, trafficking and piracy activities. In addition, around 5,000 police officers and 1,000 special forces personnel have been trained under a previously signed agreement on military training and cooperation.

There are also signs Türkiye will invest in the Somali oil sector. Some experts estimate that there are 35 billion barrels of oil reserves in the country’s offshore fields, and in early March Ankara signed an offshore oil and natural gas cooperation deal with Somalia further strengthening bilateral ties.

Ankara has also increased its investments in infrastructure in Somalia. Turkish conglomerate Albayrak Group built Mogadishu port, a major transportation hub for the Horn of Africa, and more similar projects are expected, reinforcing Türkiye’s ability to secure global trade routes. Indeed, such agreements pave the way to further Turkish activity in Africa, allowing Ankara to boost its role in the security of the region and further its own interests.