Relations between Turkey and Somalia

Relations between Turkey and Somalia refer to the bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly the renewed engagement that began after the major drought of 2011. Turkey has become one of the most visible foreign states in Mogadishu, combining humanitarian aid, economic investment, military training, and social services.¹

The relationship has two contested aspects: proponents argue that Turkey has provided rapid investment where other governments have fallen short; critics question the sustainability of agreements and the political influence that has resulted.²

Early history

The relationship can be traced to the Ottoman period, when parts of the Somali coast maintained commercial and religious ties with Ottoman territories in Berbera and the Red Sea. That connection was neither continuous nor the foundation of modern engagement.³

The renewal of 2011

In August 2011, during severe drought and humanitarian crisis in the interior, Turkey's Prime Minister visited Mogadishu. The visit was considered significant because it was the first visit to Mogadishu by a head of government from outside Africa in nearly twenty years.¹

Following that visit, Turkey reopened its embassy in Mogadishu and launched aid programmes managed directly rather than through international organizations based in Nairobi. This direct approach became the hallmark of Turkish policy toward Somalia.²

Investment and services

Beginning in 2012, Turkey's national airline launched direct flights linking Istanbul and Mogadishu. This restored an air connection that had been severed for a long period.⁴

A Turkish company operates two strategically important facilities: Aden Adde International Airport (from 2013) and Mogadishu port (from 2014). These agreements form a significant portion of central government revenue, making the relationship economically substantial.⁵¹

Security cooperation

In September 2017, a military training centre funded by Turkey opened in Mogadishu, the largest Turkish training facility abroad. It trains units of the Somali National Armed Forces, including specialized units.⁵

Training is part of efforts to build a national military capable of taking over security responsibilities as the African Union Mission winds down. The open question is whether trained units will remain independent of clan-based politics within the country.⁶

Education and health

A scholarship programme funded by the Turkish government admits Somali students annually to Turkish universities. A major hospital in Mogadishu was renovated and is supported by Turkish funding, and is now among the largest health facilities in the capital.⁴

Contested interpretations

The relationship is subject to unresolved debate. Supporters argue that Turkey has provided genuine investment and built functioning facilities, whereas critics raise questions about agreement sustainability and the degree of central government dependence on a single external actor. Different viewpoints are documented in the sources listed below, each with authors and statements.¹⁷