ANKARA — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to jointly announce on Tuesday the results of offshore energy exploration conducted by Turkey along Somalia’s coastline, according to Middle East Eye, a news outlet close to Ankara.
The announcement is expected to follow an accelerated visit by President Hassan Sheikh to Turkey, during which the two leaders will present findings from Turkey’s seismic surveys aimed at identifying potential oil and natural gas reserves in Somali territorial waters.
Turkey has been conducting offshore energy exploration in Somalia as part of expanding bilateral cooperation agreements that include security, infrastructure development, and natural resource exploration. Somali officials have described the surveys as part of Mogadishu’s efforts to responsibly develop its natural resources and reduce long-term dependence on foreign aid.
Ahead of the announcement, the two presidents are also expected to hold closed-door discussions focusing on regional political developments, including Israel’s reported decision to recognize Somaliland, according to Middle East Eye. Turkey is expected to reaffirm its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity during the talks.
Somalia has strongly opposed any recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that separated from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the United Nations and the African Union. Mogadishu argues that recognition would violate international law and set a destabilizing precedent in the Horn of Africa.
Geopolitical and Regional Context
Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s most influential international partners over the past decade, maintaining its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and playing a central role in training Somali security forces. Ankara has also invested heavily in Somalia’s infrastructure, ports, healthcare, and humanitarian sectors, positioning itself as a key strategic ally.
The Horn of Africa has become an increasingly competitive geopolitical arena, driven by its proximity to critical maritime trade routes connecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. The discovery or confirmation of commercially viable oil and gas reserves in Somali waters could further elevate the region’s strategic importance.
Energy exploration in Somalia has drawn international attention as global powers seek to diversify energy supplies amid shifting geopolitical alliances. Analysts say Turkey’s involvement signals Ankara’s intent to strengthen its influence in East Africa while deepening economic and strategic ties with Mogadishu.
The expected discussions on Somaliland recognition highlight broader regional sensitivities around sovereignty and borders. Turkey has consistently supported the principle of territorial integrity in Africa and has previously backed Somalia’s position in international forums, aligning with African Union and United Nations resolutions.
Regional observers say Ankara’s stance could influence broader diplomatic dynamics, particularly as Middle Eastern and global powers expand their engagement across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
Somalia continues to face significant security challenges, including an ongoing insurgency by al-Shabab, while working to rebuild state institutions and manage relations with federal member states. Somali officials say developing offshore energy resources could provide a critical boost to economic recovery if managed transparently and in accordance with international standards.
Neither the Turkish nor Somali governments have yet officially confirmed the details of the expected announcement. However, officials familiar with the talks say the joint statement is likely to mark a significant milestone in Somalia–Turkey relations.
Source: Middle East Eye
