Turkey pledges support for Somalia in fight against Al-Shabaab insurgents
Turkey pledged to enhance military training for Somali forces and boost intelligence-sharing to weaken Al-Shabaab’s networks.
Turkey has reaffirmed its support for Somalia in the fight against Al-Shabaab, promising increased military aid, economic assistance and diplomatic backing.
The commitment was made during a key meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
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The discussions, held at the Presidential Complex, reinforced Turkey’s role as a vital ally in Somalia’s efforts to secure stability. President Erdogan expressed his country’s determination to stand by Somalia, calling their partnership a shared mission against terrorism.
“Turkey will never waver in its commitment to Somalia’s peace and progress. Our military and economic support is a testament to our belief in Somalia’s future — a future free from the shadow of terror,” Erdogan said.
President Hassan echoed this, calling Turkey a “true brother” in Somalia’s struggle.
“With Turkey’s backing, we are stronger than ever in our mission to reclaim our nation from Al-Shabaab and build a thriving Somalia,” he said.
The talks covered a range of cooperation areas, including counterterrorism, trade, and development.
Enhance military training
Turkey pledged to enhance military training for Somali forces and boost intelligence-sharing to weaken Al-Shabaab’s networks. Both countries also committed to increasing investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education to improve the lives of Somali citizens.
A key part of the discussions focused on deepening defence cooperation with plans to boost Somalia’s ability to protect its borders. According to Somalia’s Dalsan Media, President Hassan is expected to return to Mogadishu and immediately visit the frontlines, reinforcing his commitment to leading the fight against Al-Shabaab first hand.
Turkey has played a crucial role in Somalia since the early 2010s, beginning with humanitarian aid during the 2011 famine.
Over the years, Ankara has invested in Somalia’s reconstruction, funding roads, hospitals and schools while maintaining one of its largest embassies in Mogadishu.
"Turkey's support extends beyond aid—it's a long-term partnership. We are assisting Somalia in achieving its goals, from training troops to rebuilding communities,” A senior official from Turkey's Communications Directorate stated.
The meeting between the two leaders comes at a crucial moment as Somalia intensifies its fight against Al-Shabaab.
President Hassan’s anticipated return to the battlefield signals the urgency of the situation and his administration’s hands-on approach to tackling the extremist threat.
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