February 26, 2024
The agreement between Somalia and Turkey has shocked the countries that are pushing for Ethiopia to invade the Somali Sea
While the Somali government hopes that the agreement with Turkey will strengthen its ability to fight threats such as piracy, terrorism and “foreign interference”.
The Somali government hopes the deal will strengthen its ability to combat threats like piracy and terrorism, but also, more pointedly, against “foreign interference.”
Turkey and Somalia last week signed a significant defense and economic cooperation agreement.
Under the 10-year pact, Turkey will help defend Somalia’s long coastline and also rebuild the naval forces of the fragile Horn of Africa nation.
“We will help Somalia develop its capacity and capabilities to combat illegal and irregular activities in its territorial waters,” a Turkish Defense Ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said
Somalia has strongly opposed Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, stated that it was “illegal” and promised to protect Somalia’s maritime rights.
“Because Somaliland is not a sovereign state, Ethiopia’s deal with it is wrong and an affront to the sovereignty of entire Somalia,” Fidel Amakye Owusu, a geopolitical and security adviser told DW.
Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud explained the domestic implications of the Somalia-Turkey pact.
“We tell the Somali people that the agreement we have tabled to parliament today is solely about cooperation between Somalia and Turkey on maritime defense and economy. It is not in any way aimed at creating hatred or a feud with another country or government,” Mohamud said.
Regional Implications
The deal further cements Turkey’s position as a major player in Somalia. Already its leading economic partner, Turkey boasts a large military base in the country and has trained thousands of Somali security forces.
This increasing influence is viewed with concern by some, who worry about the potential for regional instability and the overshadowing of other international actors.
Some experts think these fears are unfounded as there has been long term military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey.
“In 2017 Turkey opened its first overseas military training centre in Mogadishu. This is not a military base. It’s a military training centre. So it’s the very backbone of the Somali defense capacity in tackling al-Shabab,” Turhan said.
Concerned about the developments, Molly Phee, the top US diplomat for Africa, held individual meetings in Addis Ababa with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and in Mogadishu with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
She said the United States is willing to assist them in improving their communication.
“The region can ill-afford more conflict,” she said, adding that they are “encouraging all sides to deescalate the tensions that were provoked” by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Somaliland and Ethiopia on January 1.
The future of maritime security in the Horn of Africa rests on the delicate balance between safeguarding legitimate interests and respecting territorial integrity.
Deescalation, dialogue and a commitment to regional cooperation are crucial to navigating these troubled waters.
“Ethiopia’s desire for increased commercial port access — a valid concern — should be resolved through talks with the federal government of Somalia and neighboring states or possibly as part of a regional approach,” Phee said, as a way of a proposed solution.
She also stressed that the issue of Somaliland’s status should be determined by the people of Somalia, including those in Somaliland, rather than external actors. Turhan expressed optimism that this pact might have some positive outcomes.
“Maybe Turkey’s agreement can lead to talks between Ethiopia and Somalia on the table because diplomacy is the only solution to solve the problem,” he said.
Owusu agreed and emphasized the need for regional cooperation and negotiated solutions — urging all parties to prioritize dialogue.
“The position of the African Union can put some pressure on Turkey to support negotiations rather than using hard power… Another thing is that if some move is made between Ethiopia and Somalia, the two can come around a table and talk,” he said.
