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Senior military delegations from Turkey and Italy have made consecutive visits to Mogadishu this week, reinforcing security cooperation with Somalia as the country prepares for the withdrawal of African Union peacekeepers. The high-level meetings signal deepening bilateral ties, with both nations pledging continued support for Somalia’s military development and counterterrorism efforts.
On Friday, a Turkish special forces delegation arrived in the capital to expand training programs, share tactical expertise, and support counterterrorism operations targeting Al-Shabaab insurgents. Somali state media reported that discussions focused on strengthening the existing security partnership, with particular emphasis on Turkey’s ongoing role in training and equipping Somalia’s elite Haramcad police units.
The Turkish visit followed a separate high-level meeting on Thursday between Italy’s Chief of Defense, General Luciano Portolano, and General Maadey Nuurey Sheikh, Deputy Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA). Talks centered on institutional support, military reform, and strategic coordination as Somali forces take on a larger role in national security.
Turkey’s military base in Mogadishu plays a central role in training Somali troops and deploying drones such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, which are used in reconnaissance and airstrike missions. Nearly 500 Turkish soldiers, including 300 recently deployed commandos, are stationed in Somalia to support capacity building and secure Turkish assets. Known as “Camp TURKSOM,” the facility is Turkey’s largest overseas military base, spanning over 400 hectares along the Indian Ocean coast. It serves as the cornerstone of Ankara’s long-term strategy to project military influence in the Horn of Africa and counter regional rivals.
Italy, a long-time partner with colonial ties to Somalia, continues to provide training and tactical support to Somali forces. The Italian delegation’s visit focused on deepening military cooperation, institutional support, and preparing Somali forces for greater security responsibilities as African Union peacekeepers prepare to withdraw.
Since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 2011 visit, Turkey has expanded its role in Somalia, managing the capital’s port and international airport and signing agreements in energy and infrastructure. Italy’s continued engagement reflects its commitment to Somalia’s security and stability, ensuring that Somali forces are equipped to handle emerging threats.
The back-to-back visits highlight Somalia’s growing partnerships with key international allies, reinforcing efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and counter extremist threats. As the country transitions toward greater self-reliance in security operations, collaboration with Turkey and Italy remains crucial in shaping Somalia’s defense strategy.