Imagine the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lapping against Somalia’s vast coastline—once teeming with fish but long ravaged by illegal trawlers from distant nations. In Mogadishu, Turkish flags flutter alongside Somali ones at the bustling port, where Turkish firms have transformed chaotic docks into efficient hubs. Turkish instructors drill Somali soldiers at the sprawling Camp TURKSOM base, while the deep-sea drilling ship Çağrı Bey—Turkey’s first overseas ultra-deepwater mission—prepares to pierce the seabed in 2026, hunting for oil in blocks covering thousands of square kilometers. This is not mere aid; it is a strategic web of control, critics argue, evolving from 2011 famine relief into what some call neo-colonial looting—resource extraction masked as partnership.
From Humanitarian Hero to Strategic Powerhouse: Turkey’s Deep Dive into Somalia
Turkey’s journey in Somalia began with heartfelt humanitarian gestures during the 2011 famine, winning hearts with hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. By the mid-2020s, however, the relationship had morphed into something far more ambitious.
In February 2024, the two nations signed a landmark 10-year Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. Turkey committed to rebuilding and equipping Somalia’s navy, providing training, and supporting maritime security against piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. Somali officials hailed it as a “historic day,” with Turkey positioned as the guardian of Somalia’s territorial waters—including those claimed by the federal government over the Republic of Somaliland’s territory.
This pact set the stage for deeper economic penetration. In December 2025, Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy partnered with OYAK—Turkey’s powerful Armed Forces Pension Fund, a military-linked conglomerate with vast economic interests—to create SOMTURK. This joint venture, registered in Somalia but dominated by Turkish expertise, holds exclusive rights to issue all fishing licenses, register vessels, monitor activities, and enforce regulations across Somalia’s massive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The waters, among the world’s richest in fish stocks, promise sustainability and revenue, yet reports and critics point to significant shares (including potential 30% revenue flows in related arrangements) benefiting Turkish entities. High-level signings in Ankara, attended by Turkey’s Defense Minister and Chief of General Staff, underscored the deal’s strategic, rather than purely commercial, nature.
Parallel to this, energy ambitions surged. A 2024 hydrocarbon agreement granted Turkey’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) rights to explore and produce in offshore (and some onshore) blocks. Seismic surveys via the research vessel Oruç Reis—escorted by Turkish naval assets—wrapped up in 2025. Drilling commenced in early 2026 at sites like the Curad-1 well in ultra-deep waters exceeding 3,000 meters. Terms reportedly allow substantial “cost recovery” for TPAO, with critics highlighting the potential for Turkey to claim up to 90% of early output in some interpretations before meaningful benefits trickle down to Somalia. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar described it as a milestone in diversifying Turkey’s energy sources.
Infrastructure remains firmly in Turkish hands: Turkish companies manage Mogadishu’s key port and airport under long-term deals. Defenders praise these as stabilizing investments that combat illegal fishing (costing Somalia hundreds of millions yearly), build local capacity, and counter threats like Al-Shabaab. Yet opponents decry the lopsided terms, limited Somali oversight, military-linked control through OYAK, and a pattern of dependency that echoes classic neo-colonial dynamics—stronger powers extracting resources while offering “protection.”
Somaliland’s Vigilant Stand: Sovereignty First, No Compromises
In stark contrast, the Republic of Somaliland—stable, democratic, and self-governing since restoring its independence in 1991—has treated Turkey’s agenda with deep suspicion, viewing it as an extension of Mogadishu’s claims over its territory.
Somaliland has repeatedly and explicitly rejected any Turkish naval deployments or enforcement operations in its waters under the Somalia-Turkey defense pact. Official statements describe such moves as “grave violations of international law and Somaliland’s sovereign rights,” warning against any Turkish warships patrolling areas it controls, including around the strategic Berbera port.
When Turkey mediated between Somaliland and Somalia in the past, it positioned itself as neutral. But after Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland in late 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply condemned the move as “illegitimate, unacceptable,” and destabilizing to the Horn of Africa. He emphasized respect for Somalia’s “territorial integrity” during visits to Ethiopia and joint appearances with Somali leaders.
Somaliland’s government fired back, labeling Erdoğan’s remarks as “unacceptable interference” aimed at discouraging its partnerships.
Engagement with Turkey remains strictly limited and commercial. Somaliland has pursued selective investments, such as livestock and meat production deals with Turkish firms in 2025, focused on job creation and economic ties without ceding control over ports, security, or maritime resources. It maintains no formal diplomatic relations with Ankara, which aligns firmly with Mogadishu’s “unity” stance.
Public and leadership discourse in Hargeisa stresses self-reliance: building its own coast guard, institutions, and economy while forging alternative alliances (e.g., port access deals with Ethiopia, recognition from Israel). This cautious approach preserves Somaliland’s hard-won peace and distinct identity against any framework that could legitimize federal overreach.
Side-by-Side: A Tale of Two Paths in the Horn of Africa
Overall Approach
Somalia: Full strategic embrace—Turkey as “true ally” for security, navy-building, and resource development.
Somaliland: Deliberate distance—prioritizing sovereignty, rejecting any entanglement that undermines independence.
Military & Maritime Security
Somalia: Hosts major Turkish training base; 10-year pact for naval training, patrols, and joint operations against threats.
Somaliland: Explicit rejection of Turkish naval presence in its waters; independent security forces.
Infrastructure Control
Somalia: Turkish management of key Mogadishu port and airport.
Somaliland: Full local control over Berbera and other assets; only selective commercial deals.
Fisheries & Blue Economy
Somalia: SOMTURK (OYAK-linked) monopoly on licensing and regulation in EEZ; access for Turkish fleets with sustainability claims.
Somaliland: No participation; asserts independent control over its waters and fisheries.
Oil & Gas Exploration
Somalia: TPAO rights to offshore blocks; seismic complete, drilling underway in 2026 with favorable terms for Turkey.
Somaliland: No involvement; focuses on its own potential resource strategies if pursued.
Diplomatic Posture
Somalia: Welcomes Turkish backing against Somaliland’s external partnerships.
Somaliland: Condemns Turkish interference; pursues recognitions and ties based on mutual respect.
Somalia’s path trades immediate security and investment for deeper dependency risks. Somaliland bets on autonomy, avoiding the “protection-for-resources” bargain.
Strengthening Somaliland’s Defenses: Beyond Current Precautions
Somaliland’s vigilance is commendable, but more can be done to counter perceived Turkish-aligned pressures:
- Bolster Maritime Autonomy: Develop a robust local coast guard with drones, patrol vessels, and surveillance technology. Partner with neutral or sympathetic actors for training—without acknowledging Somalia-linked pacts—to independently tackle illegal fishing.
- Diversify Alliances: Expand commercial and diplomatic ties with Gulf states, Europe, Asia, and others who engage Somaliland on its own terms. Prioritize transparent, majority-benefit deals in livestock, ports, and trade.
- Legal and Diplomatic Offensive: Formally delineate EEZ boundaries under international law. Challenge any overreaching activities in global forums. Accelerate recognition campaigns, highlighting Somaliland’s stability, democracy, and anti-piracy record.
- Internal Resilience: Invest in education, governance reforms, and anti-corruption measures to minimize external leverage. Promote a clear narrative of self-determination to attract ethical investment.
Turkey’s growing footprint may bring tangible gains to Somalia—modernized facilities, trained forces, and potential revenue—but it risks long-term resentment over imbalances. Somaliland’s model safeguards its peace and identity. In the volatile Horn of Africa, where external powers jostle for influence, Somaliland’s path of self-reliance may prove wiser, though it demands unwavering internal strength and savvy diplomacy to navigate enmities without isolation.
The Horn of Africa region’s future could depend on whether such divides foster competition or, eventually, pragmatic coexistence so that neighbors can flourish.
Mohamoud Walaaleye