Turkey's Growing Role in Somalia Sparks Intense Criticism
Turkey's Growing Role in Somalia Sparks Intense Criticism
- Posted On 23-12-2025, 08:37AM
An image from an undated source shows a Turkish soldier patrolling at Camp TURKSOM, a military training facility located in the capital city of Mogadishu, Somalia. (AA Photo)
Garowe, Somalia — Mohamud Aided Dirir, the State Minister of Information for Puntland, has voiced strong objections regarding Turkey's involvement in Somalia. He argues that Turkey's actions have not made any significant contributions toward long-term stability, security, or effective governance in the nation.
Dirir expressed that Turkey’s engagement appears to be motivated by self-serving interests, corruption, and exploitation, which he believes undermines Somalia's sovereignty while misappropriating local resources.
"Their participation has not resulted in substantial advantages for the Somali populace," Dirir stated, raising alarms about the necessity for foreign aid to promote sustainable development and bolster governance instead of advancing external agendas.
Turkey has set up the largest military base in Africa right within Somalia, alongside what is said to be the world’s most extensive embassy building. Additionally, Ankara is involved in training elite military and police forces in Somalia and has secured significant agreements related to maritime security, oil exploration, and trade with the Somali government, showcasing its considerable influence in the region.
These criticisms come at a time when there is increasing scrutiny over foreign influence in Somalia, as multiple nations have heavily invested in infrastructure projects, security collaborations, and humanitarian assistance programs.
While Dirir did not cite specific instances of misappropriation or corruption, he strongly emphasized that Puntland expects its international partners to operate with transparency and prioritize the welfare of Somali citizens.
Historically, Somalia has relied on foreign partnerships for its reconstruction and development efforts; however, tensions often arise when local leaders feel that the support provided aligns more with the interests of the donors than with the actual needs of the country.
