By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu – Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Ali Sharmarke has called on the Puntland authorities to immediately release a Turkish ship reportedly carrying military equipment intended for the TURKISOM military training base in Mogadishu.
Speaking after a meeting with the Turkish ambassador to Somalia earlier today, Sharmarke stated that the ambassador had confirmed the detained vessel, MV Sea World, was transporting military supplies officially designated for the Turkish military base in Somalia, which provides training and support to Somali security forces.
“The Turkish ambassador informed me that the MV Sea World was carrying military equipment for TURKISOM,” said Sharmarke. “He also mentioned that he has reached out to the Puntland administration regarding the matter, but has not received any response.”
Sharmarke emphasized that Puntland has a legal obligation to release the ship without delay, implying that holding the vessel could violate international or bilateral agreements related to military cooperation and diplomatic protocol.
The circumstances surrounding the detention of the Turkish vessel by Puntland authorities remain unclear, and Puntland officials have not yet issued a public statement.
TURKISOM is Turkey’s largest overseas military base and plays a key role in training Somali National Army forces as part of broader international efforts to stabilize Somalia and rebuild its defense capabilities.
Nevertheless, what the Puntland administration is doing is a clear violation and a serious affront to the sovereignty of the Somali state, and it will face severe consequences, according to patriotic Somalis.
