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Turkey is set to send 500 additional troops to Somalia as part of an expanded military and energy cooperation agreement, reinforcing its commitment to security and economic development in the Horn of Africa. The deployment, announced following a phone call between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marks a significant escalation in Ankara’s support for Somalia’s defense forces.
The troop deployment comes at a critical time as Somalia navigates the transition from the African Union peacekeeping mission (ATMIS) to the newly established African Union Security Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSS). With international funding constraints threatening security operations, Turkey’s involvement is expected to stabilize battlefield dynamics and bolster Somalia’s ability to counter Al-Shabaab insurgents.
Under the 10-year defense and economic cooperation agreement ratified earlier this year, Turkey will provide advanced military training, protect key infrastructure, and assist Somalia in oil and gas exploration. Turkish special forces will be stationed at strategic locations, ensuring the security of vital installations, including Mogadishu’s port and airport.
The military expansion aligns with Turkey’s broader geopolitical strategy in the Red Sea corridor, where Ankara has been strengthening its presence through defense agreements and energy investments. Turkey’s seismic research vessel, MTA Oruc Reis, is currently surveying offshore Somali blocks for potential hydrocarbon reserves, with officials confirming that the troop deployment will help secure these operations.
Security analysts note that Turkey’s involvement in Somalia mirrors its decisive role in conflicts in Libya and Ethiopia, where Turkish military support played a crucial role in shaping battlefield outcomes. The latest deployment is expected to enhance Somalia’s defense capabilities while reinforcing Turkey’s long-term strategic interests in the region.
Somali officials have welcomed Turkey’s expanded role, emphasizing that the partnership will contribute to national stability and economic growth. The Somali government has been actively seeking new allies to offset donor hesitancy and ensure continued security assistance amid shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.
As Turkey deepens its engagement in Somalia, the military and energy cooperation agreement is poised to reshape regional dynamics, positioning Ankara as a key player in East Africa’s security and economic landscape.