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.