MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and a high-level delegation have departed for Türkiye on an official visit following an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Arlaadi Media reports.
The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and comes at a critical time as Somalia faces mounting security challenges and political divisions.
According to a statement from Villa Somalia, the visit aims to strengthen the deep-rooted relations between Somalia and Türkiye, with a particular focus on military cooperation, security, and sustaining the ongoing offensive against extremist militants.
Somalia has been engaged in an intensified military campaign against the Al-Shabaab militant group, and Turkey has been a key partner in providing military training and support to Somali forces.
“This visit is crucial to reinforcing Somalia-Türkiye cooperation in the fight against terrorism, as the Somali government remains committed to its relentless battle against extremists to ensure stability, peace, and national reconstruction,” the statement read.
The Somali government has increasingly turned to Türkiye as a key defense ally, with Ankara playing a major role in training Somali forces and supplying military equipment.
Turkey operates a large military training facility in Mogadishu, where it has helped build and equip elite Somali military units. Discussions between Hassan Sheikh and Erdoğan are expected to explore ways to enhance this partnership further.
The statement from Villa Somalia also highlighted the broader strategic cooperation between the two countries, encompassing not only security but also trade, the blue economy, energy, and education.
Türkiye has been one of Somalia’s most significant international partners, providing humanitarian aid, development assistance, and infrastructure support.
Seeking Additional Military Support Amid Growing Challenges
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Turkey comes amid an increasingly volatile security situation in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab has recently intensified its attacks despite ongoing military operations against the group.
The Somali government has launched major offensives in central and southern Somalia, reclaiming several territories but still facing resistance in key areas.
Reports suggest that, beyond discussions with Erdoğan, President Hassan Sheikh may also seek additional military assistance from both Turkey and Ethiopia to bolster Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.
Ethiopia, which maintains a strong military presence in Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission, has also been a crucial security partner.
The visit is also taking place against the backdrop of serious political fragmentation in Somalia. Tensions between the federal government and regional states, as well as political rivalries within the administration, have complicated governance and security efforts.
Observers believe that securing enhanced Turkish support could provide a much-needed boost to Mogadishu’s military and development strategies.
As Somalia continues to navigate these challenges, the outcome of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s discussions in Turkey will be closely watched for indications of deeper security collaboration and renewed bilateral commitments.
