Caaqil News - A high-level meeting held recently in Istanbul by Turkey’s National Security Council has revealed a new phase in Turkish involvement in the Horn of Africa. Sources confirm that the Turkish government is preparing to send a limited number of troops to Somalia to support the country's ongoing battle against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The move signifies a deeper military engagement by Ankara beyond its existing roles in training and logistical support.
Turkey’s Deepening Commitment to Somalia’s Security
According to reliable sources close to the closed-door Istanbul summit, the Turkish government has formally agreed to deploy a small contingent of troops to Somalia. These forces will be embedded alongside the Somali National Army (SNA), with the primary aim of assisting them in direct combat operations against Al-Shabaab. This marks a significant escalation from previous levels of engagement, which largely focused on capacity-building and advisory roles.
In recent months, the Somali and Turkish governments have intensified their diplomatic and military ties. Notably, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has made multiple official visits to Ankara, during which he reportedly requested more robust military assistance from his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. These requests included not just training and equipment but also a direct Turkish military presence to help eliminate Al-Shabaab.
The new Turkish deployment will be structured to integrate within Somali-led operations, ensuring sovereignty is respected while maximizing operational synergy. The Turkish troops are not expected to conduct independent missions but will act in a supporting combat role, strengthening frontline engagements and bolstering Somalia's counterterrorism efforts.
Why Somalia Matters to Turkey
Turkey's interest in Somalia stems from both humanitarian and strategic considerations. Over the past decade, Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest allies, providing extensive aid, infrastructure support, and military training. Its involvement includes the construction of hospitals, schools, roads, and the largest Turkish embassy in the world, which is situated in Mogadishu.
Furthermore, Somalia’s geostrategic location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden offers significant maritime advantages. By ensuring stability in Somalia, Turkey is not only aiding a key ally but also protecting its broader regional interests, including safe trade routes and access to African markets.
Shift from Advisor to Combatant
Until now, Turkish involvement in Somalia's security has mainly revolved around non-combat roles. The military base in Mogadishu, “Turksom,” has trained thousands of Somali troops since its establishment. Turkish officials have frequently reiterated their commitment to helping Somalia rebuild its national forces and institutions.
However, the decision to engage Turkish troops in direct combat represents a notable policy shift. Sources indicate that the Turkish forces being deployed will include elite units with experience in asymmetric warfare, similar to operations carried out against PKK militants in southeastern Turkey and Syria.
These troops are expected to operate under the command structure of the Somali National Army and will coordinate closely with other international partners, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Political and Strategic Calculations
Ankara’s decision appears to be driven by both moral obligation and realpolitik. Turkey’s desire to be seen as a global peacekeeper and stabilizer plays well domestically and internationally. By taking a visible role in the Somali conflict, Turkey sends a message to the international community that it is willing to take risks for peace and security.
At the same time, Turkey is aware of the growing competition in Africa. Countries like China, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia are expanding their footprint on the continent. Through a stronger presence in Somalia, Turkey can consolidate its influence in the Horn of Africa and counterbalance rival powers.
Additionally, the operation allows Turkey to strengthen its military industry through real-world engagement. The deployment will likely include Turkish-made military hardware, including armored vehicles, communication equipment, and drones.
President Hassan Sheikh’s Strategic Diplomatic Moves
President Hassan Sheikh has made it a priority to internationalize the fight against Al-Shabaab. His administration has actively sought assistance from allies and regional players. In his recent trips abroad, he has argued that defeating Al-Shabaab is not just a Somali interest, but a global security imperative.
In his previous visit to Turkey, President Hassan Sheikh held extensive discussions with President Erdoğan on military cooperation. Media reports at the time suggested that the Somali leader formally requested Turkey's assistance in joint combat operations, not merely training or logistical support.
While Turkey did not immediately announce any new military commitments at that time, analysts believe that behind-the-scenes negotiations were already underway. This week’s announcement marks the fruition of those discussions.
Public Reaction and International Response
The public in Somalia has reacted with cautious optimism to the news of Turkish troops joining the fight. Many Somalis view Turkey as a trustworthy partner, given its consistent support during times of crisis. Unlike other foreign troops whose presence has sometimes been met with suspicion, Turkey is often seen through a lens of brotherhood and mutual respect.
However, analysts caution that the presence of foreign troops, no matter how well-intentioned, must be carefully managed to avoid political backlash or unintended consequences. The key, they argue, is maintaining Somali ownership of all military operations and ensuring transparency in command structures.
On the international front, the Turkish move has been largely welcomed. Western diplomats believe that Turkey’s involvement could provide much-needed momentum to Somalia’s stagnating fight against Al-Shabaab, especially in southern and central regions where the group maintains strongholds.
Al-Shabaab’s Response and the Risks Involved
Al-Shabaab has not officially responded to Turkey’s plans, but analysts expect the group to view this development as a significant threat. Given Turkey’s military capabilities and its close relationship with the Somali government, the deployment of Turkish troops is likely to provoke a strategic response from the militants.
There is concern that Turkish interests in Somalia, including its embassy and business operations, could become targets for Al-Shabaab retaliations. Security measures are reportedly being heightened around Turkish installations in anticipation.
Yet, Turkey appears prepared for such risks. It has extensive experience dealing with insurgent threats and securing its assets in volatile environments, as seen in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The Bigger Picture: A New Axis in African Security
The deployment of Turkish troops to Somalia could signal the beginning of a new era in African security dynamics. With traditional Western powers scaling back their presence in the region, emerging nations like Turkey, Qatar, and China are stepping in to fill the void.
This shift could potentially rebalance alliances and reshape the way African conflicts are approached. Rather than relying solely on UN peacekeeping forces or Western-led missions, countries like Somalia are increasingly turning to alternative partners with whom they share cultural, religious, or strategic bonds.
For Turkey, the Somali engagement could become a blueprint for future interventions across the continent, combining military support with humanitarian aid and long-term investment.
Conclusion: A Bold Move With High Stakes
Turkey’s decision to send troops to Somalia to directly assist in the fight against Al-Shabaab is a bold move with potentially far-reaching consequences. It highlights Ankara’s growing role as a global player willing to engage beyond its borders and invest in long-term partnerships.
For Somalia, this could be a game-changer. The addition of experienced Turkish forces could provide the needed edge in a conflict that has dragged on for over a decade, costing thousands of lives and destabilizing the region.
However, the road ahead remains complex. Success will depend on seamless coordination between Turkish and Somali forces, careful diplomatic balancing, and a continued focus on political reconciliation within Somalia.
Ultimately, this development marks a new chapter in the Turkey-Somalia relationship—one built not just on shared interests, but on mutual commitment to peace, stability, and regional resilience.
