Why Türkiye is sending soldiers to Somalia?

A presidential motion has been presented to the Turkish Parliament (TBMM) requesting authorization for Turkish troops to be deployed to Somalia for two years.

This deployment aims to bolster Somalia’s security against terrorism and other threats.

On Feb. 8, Türkiye and Somalia signed a Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement encompassing various security matters. Following this, on April 23, Türkiye’s first warship arrived in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Under the agreement, Türkiye will oversee maritime security operations and will receive 30% of the Blue Water Economic Zone resources.

This includes aiding in the reconstruction of the Somali navy and combating illegal fishing.

This move follows Ethiopia’s agreement with the Somaliland administration regarding a port and military base in Lughaya, Awdal region.

President Erdogan’s motion suggests that Türkiye will deploy troops and establish a base in Somalia in accordance with this agreement.

The proposal seeks a two-year mandate and grants President Erdogan the authority to deploy the necessary forces. It outlines that Türkiye’s support will address terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other security challenges.

Although it references the February agreement with Somalia, the full details of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, nor has it been presented to the Turkish Parliament.

The motion also highlights the strategic importance of securing Somalia’s economic resources and contributing to regional stability, which is crucial for Türkiye’s foreign trade and maritime interests.

It specifies that the deployment of Turkish Armed Forces will be coordinated with Somali authorities and will cover Somalia’s maritime jurisdiction areas.

Is energy factor in troop deployment decision?

Türkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali Energy Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed have signed a hydrocarbon exploration and production agreement in Istanbul.

This deal authorizes the Turkish state company TPAO to explore and produce hydrocarbons in three blocks within Somali maritime areas.

Observers in Ankara suggest that the Turkish government is considering sending troops to safeguard TPAO’s operations, which are set to begin in Somali waters in the coming months.

Strengthening defense cooperation in Türkiye-Somalia relations

Ankara’s ties with Somalia began with a humanitarian initiative in 2011 when Erdogan visited famine-stricken Mogadishu.

They eventually evolved into a comprehensive security and commercial partnership. Somalia now hosts Türkiye’s most extensive overseas military base.

Additionally, Türkiye’s sale of armed drones to Ethiopia in 2021 played a significant role in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to defeat Tigray forces in Ethiopia’s civil war.

Moreover, Somalia has been battling the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab for many years.

Turkish military training for Somali soldiers has been crucial in this fight, and Turkish-made drones have significantly enhanced Somalia’s counterterrorism success.

Somalia’s stability means global trade stability

According to Lloyd’s List, a leading maritime analysis and consultancy service, approximately 12% of global trade – surpassing $1 trillion annually – traverses the Gulf of Aden off Somalia’s coast and the Suez Canal.

This underscores Mogadishu’s strategic significance on the global stage. Turkish officials believe their efforts and investments to enhance Somalia’s security and stability are crucial for safeguarding international trade.

Consequently, they argue that strengthening relations with Somalia aligns with Türkiye’s national interests.