In a recent development, Somalia has declared a prohibition on Turkish naval operations off its shores, in response to the Defense and Maritime Agreement between Turkey and Somalia.
Signed last February, the agreement aimed to provide maritime security for Somalia and assist in building its navy to counter regional threats to its territorial waters, as part of a broader defense and economic cooperation pact.
In an interview with BBC, Isa Kaydi Mahmoud, the Foreign Minister of the self-declared autonomous region of Somalia, emphasized, “We have informed Turkey that they cannot access Somalia’s shores,” reaffirming Hargeisa’s control over its maritime boundaries.
Further underscoring Somalia’s stance, Mahmoud stated on social media that the memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia is a positive step forward.
He dismissed concerns about its implications, asserting it would benefit both parties and likely be smoothly implemented.
Kaydi highlighted an imminent agreement with Ethiopia, involving the leasing of 20 kilometers of Somalia’s coastline, potentially yielding economic benefits and possibly advancing international recognition of the breakaway republic.
However, recent clarifications from Ethiopian officials indicate no commitment to recognizing Somalia’s territory, pledging instead to respect its sovereignty under international law.
Simultaneously, Somalia has fortified its maritime capabilities through a recent agreement with Turkey, enabling the construction, training, and equipping of its navy.
This initiative, part of a broader “Framework Agreement for Defense and Economic Cooperation,” overwhelmingly endorsed by Somali legislative bodies, aims to bolster national security along Africa’s longest coastline and address regional maritime threats.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre clarified that the agreement seeks to confront threats such as piracy and illegal fishing, rather than exacerbate regional conflicts.
Additionally, the Turkish-Somali agreement facilitates an accord on offshore oil exploration, slated to commence in 2025, further intertwining Turkish interests with Somalia’s maritime resources.
A Turkish warship arrived on April 23, 2024, at the port of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, as part of the recent defense cooperation agreement between Ankara and Mogadishu.
This defense cooperation pact between Mogadishu and Ankara follows shortly after Somalia signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia to lease a piece of land along the Red Sea to Addis Ababa, sparking discontent within the Somali government.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud clarified that the agreement with Turkey is unrelated to the diplomatic dispute with Ethiopia and solely aims to secure Somalia’s territorial waters.
