Title: Collaboration between Somalia and Turkey to strengthen maritime security
Somalia recently announced the signing of a defense agreement with Turkey aimed at strengthening its maritime capacity, in response to Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to the sea through the breakaway region of Somaliland.
This alliance follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland last January, causing great tensions within the Somali government which considers Somaliland to be part of its territory. In return for access to a naval port, Ethiopia would have recognized the independence of Somaliland, which provoked a firm reaction from the Somali government.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre hailed this defense and economic cooperation agreement with Turkey as a historic turning point for the country, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in strengthening Somalia’s position on the international stage.
The details of this agreement remain confidential, but Somalia perceives this alliance as a response to Ethiopia’s maneuvers in the region. The presence of senior Ethiopian military officers in Somaliland has fueled fears of possible annexation of the territory by Ethiopia, even though Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said he has no intention of triggering a conflict.
Turkey, for its part, is committed to providing training and equipment to the Somali Navy to strengthen the security of territorial waters against threats such as terrorism, piracy and foreign interference. This partnership will span a decade, providing crucial support for security and development initiatives in Somalia, while allowing Turkey to expand its influence in Africa.
This collaboration between Somalia and Turkey marks a new stage in the geopolitical strategy of these two countries, highlighting the importance of maritime security in a strategic region such as the Horn of Africa.