Erdogan submits bill to extend Turkish military mission in Somalia

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked parliament to approve a two-year extension of the mandate allowing Turkish troops to operate in Somalia, citing the need to sustain support for the Horn of Africa nation's security and counterterrorism efforts.

In a motion submitted to Turkey's Grand National Assembly, Erdogan said Somalia's security and stability were vital to regional peace and that extending the deployment would enable Turkish forces to continue providing military training, advisory services, and technical assistance under bilateral defence agreements.

The proposal said Turkey has maintained close ties with Somalia since 2011, expanding cooperation in political, economic, social, and security fields.

It added that Ankara has continued to train Somali security forces and provide defence cooperation under agreements covering military training, technical collaboration, the defence industry, and financial support for Somalia's armed forces.

The motion said that while Somalia's security forces have sufficient personnel and equipment, financial constraints continue to affect their operational capabilities.

It also said Somalia's federal government had requested that Turkey maintain its military support under the two countries' Defence and Economic Cooperation Agreement.

According to the proposal, the continued deployment would help Somalia combat terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, human trafficking, and other security threats, while contributing to the protection of strategic maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and nearby waters.

The document also referred to a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted on Dec. 1, 2023, saying Turkey believes its support will contribute to Somalia's long-term stability, strengthen its ability to protect its resources, and enhance its defence and security institutions.

Turkey operates its largest overseas military training base in Somalia and has become one of Mogadishu's closest security partners.

GAROWE ONLINE