Türkiye’s parliament on Tuesday approved President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s request to extend the deployment of Turkish armed forces in Somalia for a further two years from July 27, 2026.
The approval authorises Turkish military personnel to remain in Somalia until July 2028 under bilateral agreements between the two countries, allowing Ankara to continue supporting the Horn of Africa nation in combating terrorism, piracy and other security threats.
The deployment will be carried out in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and international law, with its scope, size and operational areas to be determined by President Erdogan.
In its request to parliament, the presidency had said Somalia sought continued Turkish military assistance under a Defence and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, citing the need for support against terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other security threats.
Shipping corridors
The government said the mission would help Somalia protect its economic resources, improve the operational capacity of its defence and security forces, and enable the country to maintain security using its own institutions.
Turkish government said Somalia’s security and stability were important not only for the country but also for the wider Horn of Africa and key maritime routes linking the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
It said the deployment would contribute to efforts to secure one of the world’s busiest international shipping corridors.
Under the mandate, Turkish forces may operate in jointly designated areas, including Somalia’s maritime jurisdiction, under rules agreed by both governments.
The mission may also involve cooperation with third countries and international organisations where necessary.
Türkiye-Somalia ties
Türkiye has developed close ties with Somalia since 2011, providing humanitarian assistance, infrastructure investment and development aid while steadily expanding defence cooperation.
The two countries have signed agreements covering military training, technical and scientific cooperation, defence industry collaboration and military financial assistance.
Ankara operates its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu, where it has trained thousands of Somali soldiers as part of international efforts to rebuild the country’s armed forces and counter the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
In 2024, Türkiye and Somalia also signed a Defence and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, under which Ankara has expanded support for Somalia’s maritime security and defence capabilities.
Government lawmakers said the extension reflected Türkiye’s growing role in regional security, strengthened defence cooperation with Somalia at the request of its internationally recognised government and helped protect strategic maritime trade routes vital to global commerce.
They said the mission was part of Türkiye’s broader engagement in Africa and aimed to help Somalia develop self-sustaining security institutions while contributing to regional stability.
