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Türkiye is stepping in to assist Somalia with maritime security by helping to build a maritime security force, according to Somali Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Ali Omar Balad. This new pact with Türkiye is unrelated to the crisis with Addis Ababa, Balad clarified during an interview at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been strained since Ethiopia signed a sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland on January 1. This agreement, which reportedly grants Ethiopia the right to construct a port in Somaliland in exchange for recognition, has exacerbated tensions between the two neighboring nations. Balad expressed disappointment in the deal, stating that Somalia would never accept any attempt to annex a part of its territory.
Despite the recent rift with Ethiopia, Balad emphasized that the defense and economic cooperation agreement with Türkiye was not influenced by this crisis. Türkiye’s assistance in building a maritime security force for Somalia is aimed at securing the country’s maritime resources. Balad highlighted the economic expenditure required to establish the maritime security force and underscored the mutual benefits of the cooperation agreement with Türkiye.
Notably, the UN Security Council lifted the arms embargo on Somalia in December, a decision that has had a positive impact on the country’s efforts to combat the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. The embargo, which had been in place since 1992, had restricted Somalia’s access to military support from international partners. With the embargo lifted, Somalia is now able to bolster its forces and confront the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has implemented a comprehensive plan to address terrorism in three stages, according to Balad. This plan includes military action, cutting off Al-Shabaab’s revenue sources, delegitimizing their ideology, and recruiting additional military forces. Balad expressed optimism that these measures, combined with the lifting of the arms embargo, will enhance Somalia’s ability to combat terrorism effectively.
In light of these developments, Balad emphasized the importance of international support and cooperation in enabling Somalia to strengthen its security and stability. He also highlighted Türkiye’s role as a potential mediator in resolving conflicts between Somalia and Ethiopia, given Türkiye’s positive relations with Addis Ababa. By building a maritime security force and leveraging international partnerships, Somalia aims to safeguard its maritime resources and enhance its overall security infrastructure.
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