By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu – Turkey is significantly boosting its political, security, and economic influence in Somalia, as officially discussed in a recent session of the Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz described the Turkey-Somalia relationship as “unique,” rooted in shared history, mutual interests, and a long-term strategy focused on security and trade.
The committee focused on the ratification of a 2019 bilateral agreement that allows both countries to build embassies on mutually allocated land. Somalia had earlier granted Turkey 61,000 square meters in Mogadishu, where Turkey’s embassy now stands. In return, Turkey is constructing a new Somali embassy in Ankara on a 4,918 square meter plot.
Despite the strategic outlook, several MPs voiced concerns over the transparency of the embassy construction project, including its cost and the companies awarded the contracts. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, however, defended the deal as mutually beneficial and based on diplomatic understanding.
The session also examined Turkey’s broader financial and humanitarian engagement in Somalia, which has surpassed $1 billion since 2011. Refik Ali Onaner, Director General for African Affairs, noted that this includes $3.5 million allocated to settle Somalia’s IMF debts.
However, local Turkish media reported that much of the aid has benefited companies with close ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, raising questions about whether official development assistance is being used to serve political interests.
Turkey remains Somalia’s largest foreign investor. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $426 million but declined to $384 million in 2024. Turkish firms continue to manage Mogadishu Port and Aden Adde International Airport under controversial agreements, particularly the 2013 airport deal, which has faced ongoing disputes.
On the security front, a UN panel of experts reported that Turkey violated the international arms embargo on Somalia by secretly delivering Bayraktar TB2 combat drones to Mogadishu on December 6, 2021—without UN Security Council approval.
MP Utku Çakırözer questioned the rationale behind funding Somalia’s new embassy amid Turkey’s own economic challenges. He also expressed frustration that, despite the so-called “special relationship,” Somalia has offered no support for Turkey’s interests—such as recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
