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The Horn of Africa is situated at a vital juncture where the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea converge, making it one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Located at the heart of this region, Somalia boasts the continent’s longest coastline, stretching 3,898 km. However, since the central government’s authority was significantly weakened in 1991, the country has struggled to effectively control its maritime zones. The lack of adequate coastal security measures has left Somalia’s coastline vulnerable to maritime crimes such as illegal fishing, which contributed to the rise of piracy in the Gulf of Aden between 2008 and 2011 and jeopardized international maritime security (Chalk, 2010; World Bank, 2005).
In response to this threat, multilateral operations were launched with the approval of the United Nations Security Council, leading to the deployment of forces such as the European Union’s Operation Atalanta and Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) (Geiss & Petrig, 2011). Türkiye became involved in the process at an early stage by contributing its navy to these global initiatives starting in 2008 and operating in the Gulf of Aden under authority continuously renewed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (Siradag, 2022). This participation is seen as the first sign of the enduring and institutionalized nature of Türkiye’s policy toward Somalia.
This analytical study examines the maritime security dimension of Türkiye-Somalia relations, which have evolved into a strategic partnership focused on agreements regarding defense, economic frameworks, and hydrocarbon cooperation in 2024 agreements that emphasize the application of maritime law, sovereignty capacity, and the protection of energy assets a partnership that was strengthened by diplomatic efforts following 2011 and formally established with the opening of the Turkish Military Training Center in Mogadishu in 2017 Somalia relations, which have been strengthened by diplomatic efforts since 2011, were formally established with the Turkish Military Training Center in Mogadishu in 2017, and have evolved into a strategic partnership focused on agreements regarding defense, economic frameworks, and hydrocarbon cooperation in 2024, emphasizing “maritime law applications, sovereignty capacity, and the protection of energy assets” (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, undated; Reuters, 2017; Anadolu Agency, 2024). Relations between Türkiye and Somalia have evolved from development-focused cooperation stemming from the severe humanitarian crisis in Somalia in 2011 into a complex strategic alliance encompassing security, defense, and economic dimensions (Aydın, 2022; Özkan, 2024). A key turning point in this progression was the shift in cooperation from Turkish military operations and field training in Mogadishu to capabilities focused on maritime security (Aydın, 2022; The Soufan Center, 2024).
This analytical study aims to comprehensively examine the period spanning from Türkiye’s initial involvement in anti-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia in 2008 to the defense and energy agreements signed in 2024. In this context, it examines the maritime security dimension of Türkiye–Somalia relations, which have evolved into a strategic partnership focused on the 2024 Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and the Hydrocarbon Cooperation Agreement by exploring the historical roots of coastal security issues in Somalia and Türkiye’s transition from providing humanitarian aid to establishing security cooperation.
Türkiye established its military presence in Somalia by deploying three F-16 fighter jets to Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport in January 2026 (Middle East Eye, 2026). Carnegie Endowment expert Alper Coşkun characterized this action as a deterrent element, underscoring Türkiye’s long-term commitment (Coşkun, 2026). According to Riccardo Gasco, a researcher at the University of Bologna, this situation signifies a “shift from security partnership to force projection and dominance” (Gasco, 2026). The arrival of Turkish warships at the Port of Mogadishu in February 2026 has strengthened the maritime dimension of relations between Türkiye and Somalia.
The primary objective of this analytical study is to examine how the “Framework Agreement on Defense and Economic Cooperation” signed between the Republic of Türkiye and the Federal Republic of Somalia on February 8, 2024, and the “Hydrocarbon Cooperation Agreement” dated February 21, 2024, have transformed the maritime security dimension of Türkiye –Somalia relations and how it has reshaped bilateral dynamics during the 2024–2026 period (Anadolu Agency, 2024; Turkish Grand National Assembly, 2024).
The findings indicate that the partnership extends beyond a purely humanitarian and development perspective, demonstrating that Türkiye is actively playing a significant role as a major power in the Indian Ocean and enabling Somalia to function as a strategic base. This situation not only strengthens Somalia’s sovereignty and economic objectives but also enhances Türkiye’s maritime capabilities. However, factors such as the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, Israel’s planned official recognition of Somaliland in 2025, and competition among Gulf countries carry the potential to create new geopolitical tensions.
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