Erdogan asks parliament to renew Turkish troop mandate in Somalia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to parliament seeking a two-year extension of Turkish military deployment in Somalia, citing counterterrorism, piracy and maritime security cooperation.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a motion to parliament seeking a two-year extension of the deployment of Turkish Armed Forces personnel in Somalia, citing security cooperation, counterterrorism and maritime stability.
The presidential motion, sent Friday to the Grand National Assembly, says Somalia’s security and stability are important for the wider region and that the extension would allow Turkish forces to continue supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism and other threats.
If approved, the mandate would extend the current authorization, which expires July 27, 2026, for another two years.
The motion says Türkiye has maintained broad political, social, economic and security cooperation with Somalia’s federal government since 2011, earning what it described as the trust of the Somali people through sustained engagement.
Under existing agreements on military training, technical cooperation, defense industry collaboration and military financial assistance, Türkiye has provided training, advisory and support activities aimed at helping Somalia rebuild its defense and security institutions.
The document underscored that Somalia’s defense and security forces have sufficient personnel and resources but remain limited by economic constraints that affect operational effectiveness.
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It says the Somali government requested continued Turkish assistance, including military support, under the bilateral Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. The request covers support against terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other security threats.
The motion also refers to a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted Dec. 1, 2023, saying Türkiye’s approach is intended to support Somalia’s long-term stability by helping protect the country’s economic resources and enabling Mogadishu to strengthen its security forces.
The mandate would allow Turkish military personnel to operate under rules set by the Turkish president and in accordance with international law and relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. The operations would take place in jointly designated areas, including Somalia’s maritime jurisdiction, and could involve cooperation with third countries and international organizations.
Türkiye said the mission would also support security in maritime areas that are strategically important for Turkish foreign trade and shipping, including the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and nearby waters. Ankara said terrorism, piracy and armed robbery in those areas affect international peace and Turkish national interests.
The request comes as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), faces a deepening financial crisis. The mission has been under pressure since the United States informed the African Union in July 2026 that it would block further U.N. logistical support for the force beyond Dec. 31, 2026.
AUSSOM supports Somali forces in the fight against al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked group that controls parts of rural southern and central Somalia and continues to carry out attacks.
Türkiye has become one of Somalia’s closest foreign partners, providing military training, infrastructure support, humanitarian aid and development assistance. Its largest overseas military training facility is in Mogadishu, where Turkish instructors have trained Somali soldiers for years.
The proposed extension underscores Ankara’s intention to remain a central security partner for Somalia as Mogadishu faces pressure to strengthen its forces and reduce dependence on African Union troops.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.