Somalia announced a defense deal with Turkey on Wednesday that includes support for its sea assets. The agreement appears aimed at deterring Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sea access through the breakaway region of Somaliland. Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland on January 1, causing tense relations with Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre described the defense and economic deal with Turkey as “a historic day for the country.”
Details of the agreement have not been made public, with Somalia viewing such a deal as an act of aggression. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed that senior Ethiopian military officers were in Somaliland “preparing the ground” for its annexation. Ethiopia has not addressed the allegations, but Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has downplayed fears of conflict.
Under the deal announced on Wednesday, Turkey will provide training and equipment to the Somali Navy for the next decade to better safeguard its territorial waters from threats such as terrorism, piracy, and “foreign interference.” Turkey is a key player in Somalia, with the deal seen as crucial for security and development initiatives for Somalia and an opportunity for Turkey to expand its influence and engagement in Africa.
