Ankara, Turkey – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held high-level talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during an official visit to Turkey, with discussions focusing on deepening bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional security.
The meeting, held in the capital Ankara, underscored the strategic partnership between the two nations, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in various sectors, including security, economic development, and infrastructure.
Oil Exploration at the Forefront
A key item on the agenda was the acceleration of a landmark oil exploration agreement signed between Somalia and Turkey. The deal, which aims to support Somalia’s ambitions to become a petroleum-producing nation, comes at a time when the Horn of Africa country has concluded preliminary offshore surveys.
“The oil issue is sensitive and highly watched,” a Somali official told Radio Shabelle on condition of anonymity. “We are counting on Turkey’s support to navigate the geopolitical challenges that come with such a venture.”
The Somali government hopes the partnership will attract further investment while withstanding growing pressure from global powers wary of Turkey’s expanding footprint in Somalia.
Security Cooperation Strengthened
The leaders also discussed enhancing security cooperation, with Erdoğan pledging continued support to Somalia’s efforts to stabilize the country and combat the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency.
Turkey has played a key role in training Somali military forces, providing equipment and operational support. Ankara also operates a major military training facility in Mogadishu and has helped produce elite Somali army units deployed in counter-terrorism operations.
Internal and External Pressures
President Mohamud’s visit comes as his government faces mounting political and security pressures. Domestically, opposition leaders and federal member states such as Puntland and Jubaland have raised concerns over the central government’s approach to power-sharing and governance.
Militarily, Al-Shabaab has intensified its attacks in central regions, seizing strategic towns in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. Internationally, questions have also been raised over alleged backchannel dealings with the insurgent group, amid speculation of friction between Somalia’s partners, particularly the United States, over the recent oil deal with Turkey.
The meeting between Presidents Mohamud and Erdoğan signals a renewed commitment to a long-standing alliance. As Somalia navigates complex internal dynamics and shifting geopolitical interests, the partnership with Turkey is seen as pivotal to advancing the country’s national agenda and long-term stability.
