Muqdihso, Somalia – November 1, 2024
In a move aimed at bolstering Somalia’s maritime security, Turkey has gifted four naval boats to the Somali Coast Guard, signalling a deepening partnership between the two nations. The handover ceremony, attended by Somali government officials and Turkish representatives, marks a significant step in the long-standing cooperation between Turkey and Somalia, with both countries emphasising the strategic importance of safeguarding Somalia’s coastline.
Somalia, with a coastline stretching over 3,000 kilometres, faces ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of its waters, which are crucial for both local and international shipping routes. Turkey’s provision of these four naval vessels is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Somali Coast Guard in combating illegal fishing and smuggling activities in the region.
At the handover event in Muqdisho, Somali officials expressed gratitude, highlighting the critical role Turkey has played in supporting Somalia’s development and security. Somalia’s Minister of Defense praised Turkey’s continued support, stating, “These vessels will greatly enhance our ability to monitor and secure our waters. Turkey has once again shown its commitment to Somali sovereignty and stability.”
The handover of these naval boats underscore Turkey’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa and its role in promoting regional security. Over the past decade, Turkey has invested significantly in Somalia, aiding in sectors ranging from infrastructure and health to education and defence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emphasised the importance of supporting Somalia’s self-sufficiency, especially in its ability to manage security concerns independently.
In recent years, Turkey has built strong diplomatic and economic ties with Somalia, including establishing one of its largest overseas military bases in Mogadishu, where Somali troops receive training from Turkish forces. This base has been instrumental in developing Somalia’s defence capabilities and aligns with Ankara’s broader geopolitical strategy of extending influence in Africa.
Representatives from Turkey emphasised that the donation aligns with Turkey’s vision for a stable and prosperous Horn of Africa. Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş highlighted the shared commitment to security, saying, “Our partnership with Somalia is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for peace in this region. Turkey will continue to support Somalia in addressing its security challenges and strengthening its institutions.
Turkey’s maritime support to Somalia exemplifies the potential for collaborative international efforts in strengthening security capacities of developing nations. As the threats from illegal fishing and regional instability persist, such partnerships are becoming essential to maintaining security and economic stability in key maritime regions.
For Somalia, the donated naval vessels offer a crucial lifeline to assert control over its waters, enabling the country to tackle threats to its marine resources and sovereignty. For Turkey, this strategic move reinforces its presence and influence in East Africa, presenting a model for diplomacy that combines development aid, security support, and economic investment.
