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At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlights Somalia’s progress in state-building, counterterrorism, and regional diplomacy, while reaffirming commitment to Palestine and regional peace.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, spoke at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and said his country is making progress in fighting terrorism. He thanked Türkiye for its continued support and called the two nations “true partners” who work together for the benefit of both.
President Mohamud explained that Somalia has faced very hard times in the past, even reaching the point of collapse. But now, while still fragile, the country is improving. The government is still developing, but many positive steps have been taken in recent years.
He said Somalia is working hard to take its place on the world stage and is actively fighting terror groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS. While many international groups like the UN, the African Union, and countries like the U.S., UK, and Türkiye are helping Somalia, the president made it clear that Somalis are leading the fight against terrorism themselves.
One of the most historic changes, he said, is that Somalia will be holding elections for the first time since 1969. This shows the country is moving forward and trying to build a stronger and more stable system of government.
President Mohamud also pointed out that Somalia now has a seat on the UN Security Council as the representative for East Africa, and is also a member of the Arab League. He believes these developments show Somalia is on the right path.
He acknowledged that terror groups have caused big problems for Somalia, but said their real goals and intentions are now becoming clearer to the public. More and more Somalis now understand that these groups don’t represent their culture or values. “There is no place for terrorism in Somalia,” he said.
President Mohamud also talked about how Somalia wants to be a voice for other countries facing similar struggles. He said the world is changing and is now more focused on interests than on values or principles. Poorer countries, he said, often have trouble getting others to understand or care about their needs.
To deal with this, Somalia has been speaking up more about its national goals and trying to explain how working with Somalia can benefit both sides. He mentioned that the country has important natural resources and a key location, but because Somalia’s government has been weak, outside powers often think only about what they can take, not what they can give.
He stressed the importance of long-term reforms and said Somalia is working with the African Union to meet the Vision 2063 goals. This plan is about helping all African countries grow together and create a large, free trade area.
On Somalia-Ethiopia Relations
Mohamud also talked about Somalia’s relationship with its neighbor, Ethiopia. He said the two countries have a long, often difficult history, filled with wars and tension. These problems have made both countries weaker over time.
But he sees a better future ahead. He talked about the Ankara Declaration, a new agreement between the two countries that could improve their relationship. Leaders from both sides have been visiting each other and having discussions. Another meeting is planned in Türkiye.
Türkiye’s Role in Somalia
Speaking of Türkiye, Mohamud remembered the terrible famine that hit Somalia in 2010-2011. He said that when many turned their backs, then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (now president) visited Somalia with his family and Cabinet. This gave the world a new view of Somalia—as a country that shouldn’t be ignored.
Today, he said, Somalia’s biggest challenge is no longer hunger, but terrorism. Türkiye has been a huge help, offering training, technology, and advice to Somali security forces.
On Palestine and Somaliland
Lastly, President Mohamud strongly supported Palestine, saying Somalia will never turn its back on the Palestinian people. He dismissed recent claims that Palestinians could be resettled in Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
“Somaliland is part of Somalia,” he said firmly. “No one has ever asked Somalia to take Palestinians, and we wouldn’t agree to that anyway. Palestinians belong in their own land, where they have lived for thousands of years.”