Türkiye, Somalia enhance defence, economic ties with new agreements, projects

Türkiye has been recently deepening its engagement with Somalia through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering defence and economic ties.

Thus, Türkiye has been in discussions with Somalia about establishing a testing site for missiles and space rockets, according to sources familiar with the matter. Ankara's ballistic missile programme requires long-range testing, and Somalia's strategic position on the eastern edge of Africa is ideal for launching towards the Indian Ocean. Additionally, Somalia's proximity to the equator makes it an attractive location for a spaceport, as testing near the equator can enhance the range and efficiency of space rockets, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Türkiye has long sought to enter the space race, which has historically been dominated by major global powers, and plans for a rocket launch have been in development for several years. There is potential for these rockets to be launched from Somalia, according to the sources. Turkish officials are optimistic that Somalia will approve their request, although Türkiye's defence ministry declined to comment on the matter.

Somalia’s national security adviser, Hussein Sheikh-Ali, did not provide any comments when contacted. Abdi Ahmed Koshin, the chairman of the parliamentary defence sub-committee, also stated that he was not aware of any agreement with Türkiye. In 2022, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye is working on extending the range of its domestically-produced Tayfun missiles from approximately 560 kilometres (350 miles). Establishing a launch site in Somalia would mitigate the risk of debris impacting residential areas and neighbouring countries, according to sources. 

Türkiye is one of the few foreign powers deepening its engagement with Somalia, which is recovering from years of clan conflict. Over the past decade, Türkiye has broadened its influence through defence collaborations, infrastructure projects, and plans for hydrocarbon exploration. It has also been involved in mediation efforts between the Mogadishu government and leaders in the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland. Alongside the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, Türkiye is among the mid-tier powers expanding their presence in Africa as Chinese investment slows and the US attempts to catch up. 

While Russia’s Wagner Group mercenaries have faced criticism, Türkiye’s TB2 Baykar drones have gained significant interest, with 11 African countries purchasing them. Türkiye's influence in Somalia has grown since President Erdogan's visit in 2011, during which he pledged financial support to restore essential services such as education and healthcare, as well as security. In 2015, Türkiye and Somalia signed a defence-industry cooperation agreement that allows for “joint research, development, and production projects in military equipment within each other's territories.” In July, the two nations agreed to enhance their defence and economic collaboration over the coming decade. Türkiye established its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu in 2017, where Turkish troops are training Somali soldiers as part of Somalia’s efforts to bolster security following an insurgency by the Islamist group al-Shabaab. 

Türkiye aims to replicate its relationship with Mogadishu in other African nations and is anticipated to send an exploration vessel to search for oil and gas off Somalia's coast, following an invitation from the Somali government. On the diplomatic front, Türkiye has recently attempted to mediate in a conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding a port deal in Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region that Somalia views as part of its territory.