Somalia’s Oldest State Opposes Turkey Maritime Deal, Warns Turkish Ships Against Operating in Puntland Waters
Puntland has rejected Somalia’s Turkey-backed maritime agreement, warning Turkish vessels and foreign companies not to operate in its territorial waters without prior authorization. The move escalates the constitutional dispute between Garowe and Mogadishu over control of Somalia’s marine resources and federal powers.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, a close ally of the UAE.
GAROWE (Somali Report) — Puntland has formally rejected Somalia’s Turkey-backed maritime agreement and warned Turkish vessels, SOMTURK, and all foreign companies against conducting any activities in its territorial waters without prior authorization from Puntland authorities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Puntland government said it alone has the constitutional authority to govern, manage, explore, and utilize marine resources along its approximately 1,600-kilometre coastline on the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
The regional administration specifically named SOMTURK, the Turkish-backed fisheries company established under an agreement between Somalia’s federal government and Turkey, saying the company cannot undertake fisheries investment, coastguard operations, or any other activities within Puntland’s territory or waters without formal approval from the Puntland government.
“No foreign private or governmental companies, including SOMTURK, can implement any activities in the waters of Puntland without prior approval and authorization from the relevant Puntland authorities,” the statement said.
Puntland argued that its position is grounded in both Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution and the Puntland Constitution, maintaining that ownership and management of natural resources remain unresolved constitutional issues that require negotiation between the Federal Government and Federal Member States.
The regional government also said Somalia’s federal institutions currently lack the legal authority to issue concessions or enter into investment agreements affecting Puntland’s territory or maritime jurisdiction.
The warning follows the launch of SOMTURK earlier this year by Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and Turkey’s OYAK Group. Mogadishu has described the company as a key part of its strategy to modernize the fisheries sector, combat illegal fishing, regulate commercial licensing, and expand Somalia’s blue economy.
Under the bilateral agreement, SOMTURK is responsible for licensing commercial fishing activities within Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone as part of wider economic and security cooperation between Somalia and Turkey.
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Turkey has significantly expanded its footprint in Somalia over the past decade through military cooperation, infrastructure development, port management, offshore energy exploration, and maritime security initiatives.
While opposing the agreement, Puntland stressed that it is not against foreign investment. Instead, it said all international partnerships within Puntland must respect both Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and Puntland’s constitutional authority.
The administration warned that any foreign company or government operating within Puntland’s land or maritime territory without its consent would face inspections and legal enforcement measures under Puntland law.
The dispute adds to longstanding tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu over constitutional reforms, elections, security cooperation, and the division of powers within Somalia’s federal system.
Analysts say the disagreement over SOMTURK is likely to become another major test of Somalia’s evolving federal model as both sides continue to dispute who holds the authority to negotiate agreements involving fisheries, ports, offshore resources, and other strategic sectors.
The dispute also unfolds amid growing geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa, where Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and other regional powers have expanded their economic and security interests along Somalia’s strategic coastline.
Despite the latest confrontation, Puntland said it remains committed to constructive engagement with Somalia’s federal government, international partners, and foreign investors, provided future cooperation is based on constitutional principles, mutual respect, and the rule of law.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of Somali Report. She was the first woman to serve as an editor and media managing director in Somalia’s Puntland State. Previously, she worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media organizations in Somalia. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Somalia Media Council, an independent body that regulates media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.