Turkey thrust into Somalia political crisis after envoy meets outgoing president
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktas met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the presidential palace on Saturday, in a move opposition figures described as a public show of support for a leader whose mandate they say has expired, as Somalia faces a deepening political dispute and no agreed electoral framework. “We […]
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MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktas met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the presidential palace on Saturday, in a move opposition figures described as a public show of support for a leader whose mandate they say has expired, as Somalia faces a deepening political dispute and no agreed electoral framework.
“We were honored to be received by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” Ambassador Alper Aktas said in a statement posted on X.
“During the meeting, we reaffirmed our steadfast support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, and prosperity. We extend our sincere appreciation to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his kind reception and warm hospitality,” he added.
The visit drew swift criticism from Somali opposition politician Abdirahman Abdishakur, who said Ankara’s public backing of Mohamud risked undermining confidence in Somalia’s fragile political transition.
“The Turkish government’s decision to publicly reaffirm support for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud immediately after the expiration of his constitutional mandate, at a moment when Somalia faces a contested political transition and no agreed electoral framework, sends a deeply troubling political signal,” Abdishakur said.
“Somalis have long valued the historic relationship with Türkiye, built on solidarity and mutual respect. That relationship must remain anchored in support for the Somali people, constitutional governance, and inclusive political consensus, not personalized alignment with a single political figure during a fragile and contested transition,” he added.
Abdishakur said Somalia’s stability could not be sustained “through external endorsement of expired mandates or concentration of power,” arguing that durable peace required legitimacy, political consensus and public trust.
Analysts said Turkey’s public positioning during the escalating dispute could expose Ankara to growing political risk in Somalia.
“Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktas meets Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia today in what appears to be a clear signal of where Ankara stands in the ongoing dispute over HSM’s controversial one-year term extension,” said Rashid Abdi, a Nairobi-based analyst.
“By aligning itself so closely with a tarnished leader Turkey is taking a big risk, but hey, maybe there is something we don’t know,” he added.
Turkey has in recent months faced accusations from Somali opposition figures and critics of increasingly aligning itself with Mohamud during disputes among Somalia’s political leadership, a perception analysts say could affect Ankara’s long-term strategic interests in the Horn of Africa nation.
Turkey has expanded its influence in Somalia over the past decade through security cooperation, infrastructure projects and economic investment. Ankara is also pursuing plans for a spaceport and missile-testing facility in Somalia and is involved in offshore oil exploration agreements that critics have described as controversial.
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