In August 2021, Somalia marked a decade of “special relations” with Turkey, a partnership forged during the devastating 2011 famine when then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Mogadishu. Turkey’s swift humanitarian aid and high-profile infrastructure projects from modernizing the airport and port to building roads and schools earned it significant goodwill and soft power in Somalia. Turkish initiatives now span education, trade, military training, and cultural exchange, with thousands of Somali students studying in Turkey and Turkish language taught nationwide. Yet, beyond the romanticized narrative lies a calculated geopolitical strategy. Somalia’s strategic location along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, coupled with its untapped resources, makes it a valuable partner for Ankara’s broader Africa policy. Turkish companies, airlines, and defense industries have capitalized on opportunities in Somalia, positioning themselves for long-term influence. While Turkey’s approach is less overtly political than some Gulf rivals, critics highlight risks: its support for centralized leadership, tolerance for “Big Man” politics, and potential to entrench authoritarianism. As Turkey deepens its presence, the challenge for Somalia will be balancing the benefits of foreign investment and security cooperation with the need to safeguard democracy, human rights, and political inclusivity.
Over the past decade, Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s most influential international partners. What began as humanitarian assistance during the 2011 famine evolved into a multifaceted relationship driven by trade, education, health, and strategic investments. Turkey has become Somalia’s largest diplomatic and commercial partner, opening its biggest embassy in Mogadishu and managing the city’s airport and port through Turkish conglomerates. Turkish products, medical services, and education opportunities are widely favored by Somalis, helping Turkey cultivate soft power and goodwill. However, this deepening relationship is not without criticism. While Somali imports from Turkey reached nearly $273 million in 2020, exports to Turkey were under $5 million, signaling a stark trade imbalance. Critics argue that Turkish companies like Albayrak and Favori LLC have reaped massive profits, with Somalia reportedly losing billions in potential revenue. Some view Turkey’s involvement in Somali politics particularly its support for ex-President Farmaajo as prioritizing regime stability over democratic progress.
Since the post-9/11 era, Somalia has transformed into a key arena for geopolitical competition between Gulf powers and other emerging players. While the US and its Western allies have scaled back their assertive foreign policy, countries such as Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE have stepped in, leveraging financial and political influence to secure their interests. Turkey’s 2011 humanitarian entry, Qatar’s financial backing of Somali leaders, and the UAE’s training of Somali security forces reflect a shift from purely aid-driven engagement to transactional politics.