Turkey’s policy toward Somalia appears to be driven primarily by economic interests and strategic influence, rather than shared values or long-term developmental goals.
Arms Transfers to Somalia: UN Conditions
Although Somalia is now permitted to import weapons following the partial lifting of the UN arms embargo, strict conditions still apply:
- Notification Requirement: Any country intending to send arms to Somalia must notify the UN at least six days in advance, providing detailed information about the shipment.
- Federal Approval: The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) must approve the transfer.
- Post-Delivery Reporting: Within 30 days of delivery, the sending country must submit a report to the UN detailing the weapons and their intended use. Turkey’s Compliance Issues
Turkey is authorized to ship arms from specific cities, but Izmir, the port used in a recent shipment, is not among the approved locations. This raises questions about compliance with UN protocols and transparency in Turkey’s military dealings with Somalia.
Concerns Over Mercenaries (Sadat)
Turkey has deployed Sadat, a private military company often compared to Russia’s Wagner Group, to Somalia. These forces reportedly include Kurdish and Azerbaijani operatives, and their presence has sparked concerns:
- Avoidance of UN and NATO Oversight: Sadat’s use allows Turkey to circumvent international regulations that apply to state militaries.
- Mission Scope: Sadat forces are involved in training Somali troops, securing strategic zones, and possibly protecting Turkish interests like missile testing sites.
This relationship is layered with geopolitical ambition, military entrenchment, and resource extraction, especially in light of Turkey’s sweeping oil and gas agreements with Somalia that have drawn criticism for favoring Ankara disproportionately.