Turkey-Somalia Defense Pact Raises Concerns Over China's Influence in Horn of Africa

A new defense and economic agreement between Turkey and Somalia has raised concerns about China's influence in the strategically important Horn of Africa region, according to an analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). The agreement, signed in February 2024, grants Turkey significant military influence over Somalia, including control over its land, sea, and air territories.

Under the pact, Turkey will provide maritime security support to Somalia, aiming to help the country protect itself from external threats, terrorism, piracy, and illegal fishing. The agreement includes the establishment of a joint force between the two countries to safeguard Somalia's coast and territorial waters for 10 years.

The Mogadishu seaport, a critical commercial and security hub in Somalia, has been a focal point of the agreement. The Turkish firm Albayrak Group has been operating and managing the port since 2014, with its contract renewed in 2020 for another 14 years. On April 23, 2024, a Turkish navy vessel docked at the Mogadishu port, further signaling Turkey's growing presence in the region.

Why this matters: The Turkey-Somalia defense pact has geopolitical implications beyond the two countries, as it is seen as a strategic move by Turkey to counter China's influence in the Horn of Africa. The agreement also highlights the complex political landscape in Somalia, with various countries vying for influence and control over key infrastructure and resources.

The African Union peacekeepers (ATMIS) maintain a presence at the Mogadishu port, mentoring the Somali Navy Force and Coast Guard. Despite the increased Turkish involvement, ATMIS officials say their role in securing the facility has not diminished. However, there are concerns about the language barriers and divergent interests of the various security forces at the port, which the terrorist group Al-Shabaab has tried to exploit to smuggle in military equipment.

The agreement between Turkey and Somalia was motivated by Somalia's concerns over the Berbera Port agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, as well as Turkey's desire to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa and potentially facilitate future cooperation with the U.S. and NATO in the region. The move has also strained Somalia's relations with the United Arab Emirates, which had previously invested heavily in the country.

As the political maneuverings and shifting alliances continue to shape the security landscape in Somalia, the Mogadishu seaport remains a key target for Al-Shabaab. ATMIS forces remain vigilant to prevent any attacks, while the international community closely monitors the developments in the Horn of Africa, a region of significant strategic importance.

Key Takeaways

• Turkey and Somalia signed a defense and economic agreement in 2024.
• The agreement grants Turkey military influence over Somalia's land, sea, and air.
• The agreement aims to counter China's influence in the Horn of Africa region.
• The Mogadishu seaport is a focal point, with Turkey's Albayrak Group operating it.
• The agreement has strained Somalia's relations with the United Arab Emirates.