Somalia has arisen as the heel to Türkiye’s growing footprint in Africa, opening unique defence, trade, and technology opportunities for Mogadishu. While the two nations’ ties date back to the Ottoman era, the relationship has deepened markedly since the 2010s, evolving to now even include a joint space initiative.Türkiye’s space and defence collaboration with Somalia is unique compared to its ties elsewhere on the continent and continues to grow, with no indication that this dynamic will slow in the near term. Although international and domestic criticism has arisen—including from the UN, Amnesty International, Somali federal member states, and Turkish opposition lawmakers—it is unlikely to reverse or constrain Türkiye’s expanding defence role. Beyond security, both countries are broadening cooperation across the economic, energy, infrastructure, and education sectors, advancing Somalia’s development goals while reinforcing Ankara’s long-term strategy to project power and secure economic and political influence in Africa.
Executive Summary