Somaliland confronts Türkiye over naval deployment plans

Somaliland, the self-declared independent region of Somalia, issued a stern statement on Wednesday against any potential deployment of Turkish naval forces in its maritime zones. The statement comes in advance of a Turkish parliamentary vote that could authorize the deployment of Turkish naval forces to Somalia’s coast.

Somaliland’s government has rejected the possibility of Turkish naval operations within its recognized maritime boundaries, asserting that such actions would infringe upon international law and its sovereign rights.

‘We vehemently reject’

“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland vehemently rejects any potential deployment of Turkish naval forces within Somaliland’s recognized maritime zones,” says the official statement by Somaliland.

The concern follows a request by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for parliamentary approval of a two-year mandate allowing Turkish forces to operate in Somali regions, including maritime zones, according to reports.

The mandate is intended to bolster security efforts in Somalia against threats such as terrorism, piracy, and illegal fishing.

Türkiye to send drilling ship

This mandate aligns with the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Türkiye and Somalia, signed in February, which includes Türkiye’s commitment to protect Somali waters for a decade.

Amid these developments, Türkiye has also planned to send a drilling ship to Somali waters for hydrocarbon exploration. The ongoing tensions and negotiations, including direct talks between Somalia and Somaliland, highlight Türkiye’s deepening engagement in the region, where it operates the largest Turkish military airbase abroad and trains Somali troops.