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Somalia Parliament approves maritime defence deal with Turkey

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. (Photo: File/ AFP)

By Mwangi Maina | 21 Feb 2024

This agreement grants Ankara the right to receive 30 per cent of the marine resources in exchange for securing the country's coastline.

Somalia's Parliament on Wednesday unanimously approved a historic maritime defence agreement with Turkey hours after it was endorsed by the cabinet.

The agreement grants Ankara the right to receive 30 per cent of the marine resources in exchange for securing the country's coastline.

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Mogadishu and Ankara signed the 10-year cooperation agreement on February 8, 2024, to enhance bilateral relations and the stability of the region. It involves enforcing Somalia's sovereignty in key maritime regions, including the Western Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.

Since 2017, Ankara has maintained a military base in Mogadishu, which is the largest overseas army installation. The base solidifies Turkey's ties with the strategic nation and establishes its presence in East Africa.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Horn of Africa country in 2011. His country has built schools, hospitals and roads in Somalia and continues to send humanitarian aid

The maritime defence deal was approved as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was expected to address a joint parliamentary session in Mogadishu, focusing on the diplomatic dispute with Ethiopia and debates surrounding constitutional amendments.

Ahead of the presidential address, Somali Minister of Information Daud Aweis announced that the Cabinet had already endorsed the defence collaboration with Turkey, which has committed to train and equip the Somali Navy.

"The 10-year pact will significantly bolster the Somalia government's endeavours to safeguard its sovereignty," Daud said.

The approval came amid recent tensions with Ethiopia, triggered by its controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.

Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is seeking sea access for commercial maritime services and a military base while Somaliland wants recognition as an independent state and a stake in Ethiopian Airlines.