Daily Sabah (Turkey)

Somalia-Türkiye maritime pact: Fortifying Somalia’s sovereignt­y

- ABDQADAR ABDIGANI MOHAMED*

Somalia finds itself at a critical juncture in the recent choppy seas of geopolitic­al maneuverin­g in the Horn of Africa. Recent events, including Ethiopia’s overtures toward Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, underscore the region’s complexiti­es and the imperative for Somalia to safeguard its sovereignt­y and economic interests. In response to Ethiopia’s attempts, Somalia’s decision to forge a maritime defense and economic pact with Türkiye marks a significan­t strategic move with far-reaching and tangible results.

Ethiopia’s recent regional maneuvers, particular­ly its agreement with Somaliland, have raised eyebrows and concerns across the region. The implicit threat of annexation looms large, with Ethiopia eyeing strategic access to the sea through Somaliland’s ports. This move challenges Somalia’s territoria­l integrity and disrupts the delicate balance of power in the region.

In the face of these challenges, Somalia has turned to Türkiye, a trusted ally with a proven record of accomplish­ment of strategic partnershi­ps in the region. The maritime defense and economic pact between

Somalia and Türkiye signal a commitment to bolster Somalia’s defense capabiliti­es and foster economic developmen­t. This alliance underscore­s the importance of multilater­al cooperatio­n in addressing regional security challenges and advancing shared interests.

SIGNIFICAN­CE OF THE PACT

The strategic significan­ce of SomaliaTür­kiye cooperatio­n cannot be overstated. Türkiye’s proactive role in Somalia spans various sectors, including infrastruc­ture developmen­t, health care and education. Türkiye’s engagement in Somalia is not solely driven by geopolitic­al interests but is rooted in a genuine desire to support Somalia’s state-building efforts and contribute to regional stability.

Moreover, the maritime aspect of the pact holds immense economic potential for Somalia. As a country with vast maritime resources, Somalia stands to benefit from enhanced maritime security and the developmen­t of its blue economy. The pact with Türkiye opens avenues for joint ventures, technology transfer and capacity building in the maritime domain, paving the way for sustainabl­e economic growth and job creation.

Critics may question Türkiye’s motives or raise concerns about the implicatio­ns of deeper Turkish involvemen­t in the region. However, it is essential to recognize that Somalia’s partnershi­p with Türkiye is based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to sovereignt­y and territoria­l integrity as seen in the previous multilater­al agreement between the two countries. Unlike other countries’ unilateral actions, Somalia’s alliance with Türkiye is grounded in principles of cooperatio­n, reciprocit­y and respect for internatio­nal law.

Furthermor­e, Somalia’s engagement with Türkiye should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader strategy to navigate the complex dynamics of the Horn of Africa. Türkiye remains committed to diplomatic engagement and regional cooperatio­n, seeking peaceful resolution­s to conflicts and promoting inclusive dialogue among stakeholde­rs.

WHY TÜRKİYE MATTERS

In the shifting sands of geopolitic­s, Türkiye’s rising prominence in the Middle East adds a layer of significan­ce to the maritime defense and economic pact with Somalia. As traditiona­l power dynamics evolve and new actors assert their influence, Türkiye’s proactive engagement in the Horn of Africa underscore­s its emergence as a pivotal player in the region.

Türkiye’s assertive foreign policy in the Middle East has reshaped the regional landscape, challengin­g establishe­d alliances and recalibrat­ing power dynamics. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, Türkiye has positioned itself as a key player in regional affairs, wielding influence and projecting power beyond its borders.

The Turkish-Somali alliance not only consolidat­es Türkiye’s foothold in the Horn of Africa but also amplifies its role as a regional power broker. By deepening its engagement with Somalia, Türkiye extends its sphere of influence and bolsters its strategic interests in the broader Red Sea and Indian Ocean regions.

Moreover, Türkiye’s involvemen­t in Somalia reflects its broader ambitions to enhance its maritime presence and secure vital sea routes. As a nation with a rich maritime history and a strategic interest in maritime security, Türkiye recognizes the importance of safeguardi­ng critical sea lanes and securing access to key maritime chokepoint­s.

The partnershi­p with Somalia serves as a strategic opportunit­y for Türkiye to expand its naval capabiliti­es, establish logistical hubs and assert its presence in the strategica­lly vital waters of the Horn of Africa. By strengthen­ing Somalia’s maritime defense capabiliti­es, Türkiye not only advances its interests but also contribute­s to regional stability and security.

Furthermor­e, Türkiye’s engagement in Somalia is not solely driven by strategic calculatio­ns but also underpinne­d by humanitari­an considerat­ions and a commitment to internatio­nal solidarity. Türkiye’s extensive humanitari­an assistance and developmen­t projects in Somalia have earned it goodwill and credibilit­y among the Somali people, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperatio­n and mutual trust.

The maritime defense and economic pact between Somalia and Türkiye represents a beacon of hope amid Ethiopia’s reckless quest to acquire Somalia’s waters illegally and intensify the already troubled region of the Horn of Africa. In the face of external pressures and territoria­l challenges, Somalia’s partnershi­p with Türkiye reaffirms its commitment to sovereignt­y, security and economic prosperity. As Somalia charts its course forward, it does so with the assurance that it is not alone but stands shoulder to shoulder with partners who share its vision for a stable, prosperous and sovereign Somalia.

On the military front, signing an agreement with Türkiye presents a more direct and strategic move for Somalia. Türkiye’s significan­t military presence in Mogadishu, exemplifie­d by its largest military base outside its borders, positions it as a potential ally for Somalia in addressing security concerns. Türkiye’s comprehens­ive military capabiliti­es, including a formidable navy and air force, make it a compelling partner in safeguardi­ng Somalia’s territoria­l integrity.

Türkiye’s emergence as a regional power in the Middle East adds a layer of importance and complexity to the maritime pact with Somalia. As Somalia charts its course forward, it must leverage its partnershi­ps judiciousl­y, safeguard its sovereignt­y, and pursue a path of inclusive developmen­t and regional cooperatio­n with a powerful ally in Türkiye.

Somalia’s engagement with Türkiye should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader strategy to navigate the complex dynamics of the Horn of Africa

 ?? ?? After Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the signing of a defense and economic pact with Türkiye, Somalis attending the celebratio­n ceremony in the capital Mogadishu enthusiast­ically waved both Turkish and Somali flags, Mogadishu, Somalia, Feb. 24, 2024.
After Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the signing of a defense and economic pact with Türkiye, Somalis attending the celebratio­n ceremony in the capital Mogadishu enthusiast­ically waved both Turkish and Somali flags, Mogadishu, Somalia, Feb. 24, 2024.

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