Divisions emerge in Somalia as Turkey begins oil exploration

NAIROBI, Kenya - The offshore oil exploration by Turkey has triggered sharp divisions in the country, with an old 'misleading' map raising tensions in the Horn of Africa nation whose internal and external challenges have orchestrated development and instability.

Abdi Farah Juxa, Puntland’s minister for Interior Affairs, questioned the motive behind the displaying of a map during the official ushering in of a Turkish exploration and research vessel. “After 33 years, Hassan Sheikh is still attempting to alter Somalia’s map,” Juxa said.

The map notably designates areas from Galkayo to Burtinle as disputed territories between Puntland and Galmudug, a deviation from actual reality since Puntland controls the areas in question..

Furthermore, the map omits recent changes in the country, such as the Khaatumo administration, while depicting the Sanaag region as separated from Puntland. It is also labeled “Republic of Somaliland,” referring to the Somaliland region.

Said Abdullahi Deni, the regional leader of Puntland, noted that the map could create new tensions, particularly in the Mudug region, and cautioned against actions that may lead to conflict. He emphasized that Puntland and Galmudug have no border disputes and are neighboring communities dedicated to maintaining peace in Mudug.

But in response, the Ministry of Petroleum termed the matter as a “technical error” by the presenting company. The map has raised significant concerns, as it marked certain regions under Puntland’s state—Mudug, Nugaal, and Sanaag—as disputed territories and labeled Somaliland as the “Republic of Somaliland.”

Experts told Garowe Online that the map’s depiction could suggest potential oil exploration in areas near Puntland, sparking concerns over security implications along the Puntland-Galmudug border.

Puntland criticized the map, viewing it as an indicator of undisclosed federal plans, citing the lack of agreements on oil extraction in Somalia. The backlash over these developments continues, adding to regional tensions.

This new delineation not only disrupts unity but could also spark conflicts over the exploration and extraction of national resources, which have been awarded secretly and without consensus, bypassing legal frameworks, analysts believe.

According to Puntland’s Constitution, Articles 50 and 54, Puntland has exclusive authority over the management and protection of its natural resources. The recent territorial claims threaten Puntland’s unity, stability, and development, officials said.

Puntland warns that such steps may lead to instability, division, and setbacks in Somalia’s unity and state-building efforts. Such alterations, analysts say, raise debates and questions on the map’s underlying intent, suggesting potential risks to the security and unity of the Somali people.

But in a sharp resistance to the claims by Puntland, Abdrizak Mohamed, the federal minister of Petroleum, said Garowe leadership is obstructing oil exploration activities in Puntland. According to him, Puntland single-sourced a company it wants undertake oil exploration, an idea rejected by the federal government.

"President Deni seeks to politicize the government's efforts toward oil production and development," stated Mohamed, adding that Deni referenced an image of a map that was unintentionally displayed at the Mogadishu event to cast a negative light on the government's goals for financial independence through oil production.

The Oruc Reis will conduct three-dimensional seismic surveys in three licensed areas off Somalia's coast, each covering approximately 5,000 square kilometers (1,931 square miles). The seven-month mission aims to gather seismic data for oil and gas exploration, which will later be analyzed in Ankara to determine potential drilling sites.

Earlier this year, Somalia and Turkey signed agreements that granted Turkish Petroleum licenses to explore three offshore areas. These surveys mark a significant step in Somalia's efforts to tap into its energy resources, hoping to advance economic development and financial self-reliance.

GAROWE ONLINE