By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU/ANKARA – Somali authorities have pushed back against growing domestic criticism of deepening ties with Türkiye, insisting that the country’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens remain fully protected amid expanding bilateral cooperation.
The response comes as political tensions rise ahead of pivotal elections later this year, with opposition figures and online commentators portraying the relationship as disproportionately beneficial to Ankara.
According to the Somali National News Agency, officials rejected social media claims alleging that Türkiye is unilaterally benefiting from Somalia’s natural and energy resources, particularly in the oil sector. Authorities described the allegations as “baseless” and part of disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining cooperation between the two countries.
Officials clarified that the agreement between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and the Somali Petroleum Authority explicitly affirms that natural resources belong to the Somali people and that exploration and production activities are conducted under Somalia’s legal framework in a way that safeguards national sovereignty. Both Somali and Turkish officials stressed that the energy partnership is grounded in transparency, mutual respect and recognition of Somalia’s sovereign interests.
The debate unfolds amid heightened political polarization ahead of direct elections expected this year. Analysts say strategic agreements—particularly those involving oil, gas and minerals—are inherently sensitive in developing countries, where questions of sovereignty and future national wealth are closely scrutinized. Somali political analyst Abdulweli Beri noted that criticism of ties with Ankara is not new but has intensified due to current political and economic pressures. In the absence of detailed public information, he said, political narratives and public concerns tend to fill the gap.
Despite the criticism, bilateral ties between Somalia and Türkiye continue to broaden across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, security, communications and investment. On Feb. 15, the exploration vessel Cagri Bey departed Türkiye for Somalia to begin offshore oil exploration under previously signed economic and defense cooperation agreements.
Security cooperation has also expanded. On Feb. 18, Somalia’s Interior Security Ministry received military equipment for the national police from the Turkish ambassador, according to state media. Earlier, on Feb. 10, the Somali Communications Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Türkiye’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority to enhance collaboration in electronic communications.
The two countries also marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Jan. 28 during a ceremony organized by the Somali Embassy in Ankara.
Analysts suggest the Somali government’s public clarifications are aimed at preventing domestic criticism from escalating into a broader diplomatic strain. Türkiye is widely viewed in Mogadishu as a strategic partner with significant interests in the Horn of Africa. Beri said Somalia is likely to continue preserving and expanding cooperation with Ankara while offering more detailed explanations to address public concerns, adding that Türkiye is expected to maintain its engagement given its long-term strategic calculations in the region.
