Türkiye in Somalia: Building Influence Through Presence

The relationship between Türkiye and Somalia is often discussed as one of the most visible examples of Türkiye's engagement in Africa. While many observers associate this partnership with the humanitarian response launched in 2011, the connection between the two countries stretches much further back. Historical ties date to the Ottoman era, when the empire maintained political and strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. Modern diplomatic relations were formally established in 1979 with the opening of the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu. However, the outbreak of civil war in 1991 interrupted this relationship and coincided with a period in which Somalia became increasingly isolated from direct international engagement.

For much of the following two decades, Somalia was viewed primarily through the lens of instability. State institutions had largely collapsed, security conditions remained fragile, and economic development was severely constrained. Although international organizations continued to operate in the country, many foreign governments preferred indirect engagement. Somalia was frequently discussed in international forums, yet relatively few actors maintained a substantial presence on the ground.

That situation changed dramatically in 2011. Facing one of the worst humanitarian crises of the century, Somalia was struggling with famine, drought, conflict, and the breakdown of basic public services. At a time when many international actors remained cautious, Türkiye chose a different path. Then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Mogadishu in August 2011 became a defining moment in bilateral relations. Beyond its symbolic significance as the first visit by a non-African leader in nearly twenty years, it signaled a new approach based on direct engagement rather than distant management of the crisis. The visit drew international attention to Somalia's humanitarian situation and laid the foundation for a much broader partnership.

What began as a humanitarian response gradually evolved into a long-term commitment. Rather than limiting its involvement to emergency relief, Türkiye expanded its activities into areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, institution-building, and public service delivery. Hospitals were constructed, scholarship opportunities were created, and various development projects were launched. Over time, this approach helped shift the relationship from one centered on aid to one increasingly focused on capacity building and institutional cooperation.

As Somalia's priorities evolved, so too did the scope of cooperation. Security became one of the most significant dimensions of the partnership. The opening of the TÜRKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu in 2017 marked a new phase in bilateral relations, reflecting a shared emphasis on strengthening Somalia's security institutions. Military and police training programs, logistical support, and defense cooperation initiatives have all contributed to broader efforts aimed at state consolidation and stability. This cooperation expanded further in 2024 with the signing of a defense and economic framework agreement that placed particular emphasis on maritime security, including the protection of territorial waters, combating piracy, and addressing illegal fishing activities.

Economic cooperation has also grown steadily over the past decade. Turkish companies play important roles in the operation of Mogadishu's port and international airport, while trade and investment ties continue to expand. More recently, energy has emerged as another area of mutual interest, particularly through discussions surrounding oil exploration projects. Somalia's location in the Horn of Africa, near some of the world's most important maritime routes, further enhances its strategic importance for Türkiye.

At the same time, Türkiye's role in Somalia has extended beyond bilateral cooperation. Ankara has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic actor in regional affairs, particularly through its efforts to facilitate dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia during periods of heightened tension. By hosting negotiations and encouraging communication between the parties, Türkiye has sought to contribute to regional stability while strengthening its broader diplomatic presence in the Horn of Africa.

Today, Türkiye-Somalia relations can no longer be understood solely through the framework of humanitarian assistance. Over the last decade, the partnership has developed into a multidimensional relationship encompassing security, economic development, infrastructure, diplomacy, and state-building efforts. What makes this case particularly notable is the way a response to an immediate humanitarian crisis gradually evolved into one of the most comprehensive partnerships Türkiye has established anywhere in Africa.