Somalia, Turkey sign financial agreement on defense cooperation

[NidarNidar]

source

 

[NidarNidar]

This relationship is deeply interdependent, not one-sided. Somalia holds a strategically vital position for both commercial and military purposes, particularly for controlling access to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Turkey’s involvement goes beyond simple aid, it’s actively investing in Somalia to develop infrastructure. A notable aspect of their partnership is the security and maritime agreement, which mandates that profits from oil and maritime resources are audited by an independent organization outside the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)— corruption is a big issue within the FGS.

Somalia has become a focal point in the Qatar-Turkey versus UAE-Saudi Arabia rivalry. Turkey’s strengthened relationship with Somalia serves to counterbalance the UAE's influence, as the UAE is also heavily invested in the neighbouring region of Somaliland. Turkey’s presence thus allows it to check UAE interests and secure a diplomatic ally in Somalia.

Turkey’s alliance with Qatar, which also has vested interests in Somali politics, further motivates its engagement. Together, Turkey and Qatar are building a regional coalition that includes Somalia to provide political and economic support, countering the influence of the Saudi-UAE/Ethiopia bloc in the Horn of Africa, another battle is happening in Sudan between these two.

 

[Idilinaa]

This is actually good for Somalia. Having a defense manufacturing industry will help us be less dependent on outside imports and less vulnerable to arms embargo's. Not Rea hit on the nail.

Turkey’s alliance with Qatar, which also has vested interests in Somali politics, further motivates its engagement. Together, Turkey and Qatar are building a regional coalition that includes Somalia to provide political and economic support, countering the influence of the Saudi-UAE/Ethiopia bloc in the Horn of Africa, another battle is happening in Sudan between these two

@Galool what do you think of this?