MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers.

According to political analysts and regional observers, Turkey has steadily expanded its control and strategic influence inside Somalia through security partnerships, infrastructure investments, intelligence cooperation, and economic agreements with the federal government.

Military and Intelligence Influence

Turkey already operates one of its largest overseas military training bases in Muqdisho, where thousands of Somali soldiers have received training over the past several years.

Recent political developments have fueled allegations that Ankara now holds significant influence within Somalia’s military, intelligence, and police institutions.

The appointment of General Ibrahim as commander of the Somali National Army has intensified speculation about Turkey’s growing role inside Somalia’s security establishment. Somali political insiders claim the general underwent extensive military training in Turkey and maintains close ties with Turkish security circles.

Sources familiar with Somali intelligence affairs also allege that Turkey has developed strong relationships with senior Somali officials involved in defense, intelligence, and maritime security operations.

Strategic Control of Muqdisho Port and Airport

Turkey’s influence extends beyond security cooperation.

Turkish companies already play a central role in managing key strategic infrastructure in Somalia, including the Port of Muqdisho and Aden Adde International Airport.

For years, Turkish-backed firms have overseen operations, logistics, modernization projects, and revenue management linked to both facilities under agreements signed with the Somali federal government.

Critics argue that the long-term control of major national infrastructure by foreign entities raises serious questions about economic sovereignty and transparency.

Supporters of the partnership, however, argue that Turkish investments helped rebuild vital infrastructure after decades of conflict and instability.

Oil Exploration Deal Sparks Debate

One of the most controversial issues now surrounding Turkey’s involvement in Somalia concerns offshore oil exploration agreements.

According to political sources and circulating reports, Turkey recently secured major energy exploration contracts linked to Somalia’s offshore oil reserves.

The reports claim that Turkish interests could receive up to 90% of revenues or operational control connected to certain exploration agreements, although the exact terms of the contracts have not been publicly disclosed in full.

Somali opposition politicians and civil society activists have demanded greater transparency regarding the agreements, warning that Somalia’s natural resources could become the subject of foreign exploitation amid weak institutional oversight.

The Somali federal government has defended international partnerships as necessary for economic development and energy investment.

Red Sea Competition and Israel Concerns

Analysts believe Turkey’s expanding role in Somalia is also linked to wider geopolitical competition across the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s strategic coastline places it at the center of maritime routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Political observers argue that Ankara is attempting to strengthen its regional influence while limiting the strategic expansion of rival powers, including Israel and other international actors operating in the region.

Somali political insiders have also alleged that Turkish intelligence closely monitors Israeli-linked activities in Somaliland and surrounding maritime areas, although no official evidence has been publicly presented.

Growing Questions About Sovereignty

The expanding foreign role in Somalia’s security, economy, and natural resources has triggered growing debate inside the country.

Critics warn that Somalia risks becoming overly dependent on external powers while key national assets, security institutions, and strategic resources fall under foreign influence.

Others argue that Turkey has become one of Somalia’s most reliable partners by investing in infrastructure, security, humanitarian assistance, and economic recovery when many international actors maintained limited engagement.

As regional competition intensifies across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, Somalia is increasingly emerging as a strategic battleground for influence among global and regional powers.