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Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed announces completion of major exploration efforts, with drilling set to begin soon amid environmental and security concerns
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has revealed that a significant portion of oil exploration undertaken by a Turkish company in Somalia is nearing completion. According to the minister, Somalia may be able to declare its first oil production by the end of 2025 or early 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector.
During an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Minister Mohamed elaborated on the ongoing oil exploration efforts, emphasizing that they are currently focused on the Mareeg and Harardheere regions. These activities are set to extend further into the coastal areas of the Hobyo District in Southern Mudug. He further confirmed that the Turkish exploration vessel operating within Somali waters is expected to finalize its exploration work by April this year, paving the way for the next phase of oil drilling.
When questioned about the potential effects of Somalia’s oil production on climate change and national security, Minister Mohamed assured that industry experts are actively addressing these concerns. The ministry, he stated, is committed to engaging with specialists to ensure that environmental and security risks associated with oil extraction are managed effectively. This demonstrates the government’s awareness of the broader implications of oil production and its readiness to implement necessary safeguards.
As part of the ongoing oil project, an advanced drilling ship currently stationed in the Black Sea is on standby. Once the exploration phase concludes, the vessel is expected to travel to Somalia, where it will commence the drilling phase. This next step is crucial in transitioning from exploration to actual oil extraction, which will mark a turning point for Somalia’s economic and energy landscape.
Minister Mohamed also addressed some of the challenges encountered during the oil exploration process. One of the major obstacles has been the presence of illegal ships operating within Somali waters. He explained that these unauthorized vessels, often engaged in illicit fishing activities, pose a significant challenge to exploration efforts. Their fishing nets frequently interfere with the sophisticated exploration equipment, causing disruptions and adding complexity to the process. The Somali government is aware of this issue and is working on measures to mitigate these risks and ensure a smoother transition into the drilling phase.
Turkey’s involvement in Somalia’s oil exploration dates back to October 2024, when it deployed the research vessel Oruc Reis to conduct detailed surveys. This exploration initiative stems from a cooperation agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in March 2024, highlighting the strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The agreement underscores Turkey’s increasing role in Somalia’s economic development and infrastructure projects.
The potential of Somalia’s oil sector has long been a topic of discussion, with geologists and energy experts speculating about vast untapped reserves beneath the country’s land and coastal waters. The recent advancements in exploration bring Somalia closer than ever to becoming an oil-producing nation. Should production commence as projected, it could have transformative economic implications, potentially providing a new revenue stream for the Somali government and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign aid.
However, the journey to oil production is not without its risks. In addition to environmental concerns, security remains a pressing issue. The presence of armed groups in certain regions poses a threat to stability, and ensuring the protection of oil infrastructure will be paramount. The Somali government, along with its international partners, will need to establish robust security measures to safeguard oil installations and personnel involved in the drilling and extraction processes.
Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about the equitable distribution of oil revenues. Somalia’s federal structure means that any economic windfall from oil production must be fairly allocated among different regional administrations to prevent conflicts over resource control. Transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms will be crucial to maintaining national unity and ensuring that oil wealth benefits all Somali citizens rather than fueling tensions.
Despite these challenges, Somalia’s progress in oil exploration marks a significant step toward energy self-sufficiency. The potential for domestic oil production presents opportunities for job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth. If managed wisely, the emerging oil industry could serve as a catalyst for Somalia’s long-term stability and prosperity.
As Somalia inches closer to becoming an oil-producing nation, the world will be watching closely. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the country’s ability to navigate the complexities of oil production while addressing environmental, security, and governance challenges. With the continued support of international partners and strategic planning, Somalia has the opportunity to harness its natural resources for sustainable development and economic transformation.