Somalia’s president in Turkey for talks after Israel recognizes Somaliland

NN ONLINE:

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, days after Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia.

Turkish officials said the discussions would focus on expanding bilateral cooperation, Somalia’s fight against terrorism, efforts to reinforce national unity and key regional developments. Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s strongest partners over the past decade, providing military training, backing major infrastructure projects and operating a military base in Mogadishu. Ankara has also sent a seismic research vessel, protected by naval ships, to explore Somalia’s offshore oil and gas potential.

Israel’s decision last week to recognize Somaliland — the first country to do so — sparked sharp criticism from Turkey, Somalia and several other nations. Ankara described the move as unlawful and warned it could threaten stability in the Horn of Africa. The motivation behind Israel’s announcement remains unclear.

Earlier this year, Turkey mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia following tensions over a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. In January 2024, Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland to lease coastal land for a naval base in exchange for recognition, a move Somalia says violates its sovereignty.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia more than 30 years ago but remains largely unrecognized internationally.