Turkey Exploiting Somalia’s Resources and Opposing Somaliland Recognition.
Mogadishu (Horn Post) — Turkish military and political engagement in Somalia has come under renewed scrutiny amid accusations that Ankara is exploiting Somalia’s natural resources while actively opposing the recognition of Somaliland to safeguard its strategic and economic interests.
Somali media outlets reported on Thursday that Turkey has, in recent weeks, intensified the delivery of various types of military equipment to Somalia. The latest shipment reportedly arrived in Mogadishu aboard military cargo aircraft operated by Qatar, raising fresh questions about the scale and intent of Turkish involvement in the country.
According to the reports, Turkey has signed multiple agreements with Somalia covering sectors such as oil and gas exploration, fisheries, and mining—deals critics say amount to the systematic exploitation of Somalia’s resources. Turkey also operates its largest overseas military base in Somalia, a presence that analysts argue gives Ankara significant leverage over Somalia’s security and political decisions.
Local sources further reported that Turkey has delivered the ASELSAN ALP-100G low-altitude air defense radar system to Somalia. The system was transported using a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft belonging to the Qatari Air Force and landed at Mogadishu.
The ALP-100G, developed by ASELSAN, is a 3D AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar with a detection range exceeding 185 kilometers. It is designed to detect low-flying targets such as aircraft, drones, and missiles, and is considered one of Turkey’s advanced air defense systems.
Reports indicate that the radar equipment is intended to support facilities Turkey is constructing near Warsheekh in the Middle Shabelle region, including infrastructure linked to satellite operations and missile launch capabilities.
Observers say the move underscores the deepening military and security partnership between Turkey and Somalia, with a growing emphasis on airspace control and advanced defense technology.
However, critics argue that this expanding cooperation comes at the expense of Somalia’s sovereignty and long-term economic interests.
At the same time, political analysts note that Turkey’s strong opposition to the international recognition of Somaliland is closely tied to its desire to protect these strategic and resource-based interests in Somalia, positioning Ankara as a key external actor shaping the country’s security, economy, and regional politics.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
