MOGADISHU, Nov. 6 (Garowe World) — Turkey has deployed two naval warships to escort a Turkish fishing vessel to Somalia, expanding its maritime activities as the Horn of Africa nation faces deepening political divisions, armed confrontations and disputes over the legitimacy of the federal government.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry said the frigates TCG Gökçeada and TCG Yıldırım were heading to Mogadishu to protect Mustafa Korkmaz A, a Turkish fishing vessel expected to conduct exploratory and trial fishing operations in Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The ministry did not disclose details of the vessel’s fishing licence, the duration of its operations or the commercial arrangements governing the mission.
The deployment follows a 2024 defence and economic cooperation agreement between Ankara and Mogadishu, alongside expanding Turkish interests in Somalia’s fisheries, offshore energy resources and military infrastructure.
However, Somali opposition figures have criticised Turkey’s growing involvement, arguing that some activities are being pursued without sufficient national consultation or transparency and appear increasingly one-sided.
Critics accuse Ankara of prioritising its strategic, military and economic interests while overlooking Somalia’s constitutional and political disputes. The Turkish government maintains that its cooperation supports Somalia’s sovereignty, security and economic development.
The deployment comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces mounting opposition over constitutional amendments and the extension of presidential terms. Opposition leaders maintain that his original four-year mandate has expired and have demanded elections, while the federal government defends the revised constitutional framework.
Political tensions have also escalated in South West State, where armed confrontations involving federal forces and opposition-aligned groups have been reported.
In Hirshabelle, disputes over a contested regional election have triggered unrest, with Macawiisley clan fighters taking control of positions in Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region.
The instability has unfolded alongside continuing threats from Al-Shabaab, which has maintained links with elements of local clan networks, complicating security operations and political reconciliation.
Somalia’s constitutional confrontation intensified further after Mohamud announced the dismissal of Supreme Court Chief Justice Baashe Yusuf Ahmed, prompting a judicial challenge to the president’s authority.
The chief justice has challenged the dismissal amid a wider dispute over the president’s constitutional mandate and demands for elections.
Turkey’s latest maritime operation is expected to attract further scrutiny over the management of Somalia’s fisheries and offshore resources, particularly as the country struggles with political fragmentation and questions over federal authority.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has not publicly detailed the specific economic benefits Somalia would receive from the planned fishing operation.
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