Somalia mobilizes allies after Israel’s Somaliland recognition

Somalia’s president has embarked on an intensive diplomatic tour following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move that triggered widespread condemnation and prompted an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud first traveled to Djibouti, where he met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh. In a statement released by the Somalia’s government, the two leaders were said to have discussed “consultation and coordination of diplomatic efforts to defend the unity, independence, and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” Today, Somaliland announced that it had recalled its representative to Djibouti for "consultations.”

From Djibouti, President Mahmoud flew to Istanbul, where he held talks with his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During an official joint press conference, Erdoğan emphasized the depth of bilateral ties, stating that relations between the two countries “are developing in every field, and are strong, historical, cultural and social.” He added that Turkey hopes to “furthering and strengthening the relationship, and contributing peace, security, safety and stability of Somalia.”

Erdoğan noted that Somalia has made progress in several sectors, including security, despite what he described as countries and entities “attempting to sabotage and did not want Somalia to develop.” He also highlighted Turkey’s ongoing support for Somali security forces through the TURKSOM military training facility, and congratulated Somalia on elections held in the Banadir region.

On energy cooperation, Erdoğan spoke of “developing relations in the energy filed,” explaining that offshore exploration had lasted nine months and covered “an area 4465 square nautical mile.” He said that the “drilling activity will begun 2026.” He further noted that Turkey and Somalia have concluded maritime and fisheries agreements, and that Turkey will partner with Somalia to combat illegal fishing in Somalia’s waters.

Erdoğan also addressed the much-discussed spaceport project, stating: “we are hoping and planning to establish a space port in Somalia.” He explained that the project “will be comprised of three bases and that the first phase is completed,” adding that the Turkish Space Agency has “initiated the necessary construction activities in the region.”

Reaffirming Ankara’s political stance, Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence. He strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it “illegitimate.” He added: “the Netanyahu government who shed the blood of 70,000 of Palestinian brothers and sisters, continue with its attacks of manty countries in the region and Israel right now tries to drag the horn into chaos and instability.”

President Mahmoud, speaking alongside Erdoğan, underscored the “strong relationship and enduring partnership” between Somalia and Turkey. He thanked the Turkish leadership for their “support and solidary with Somalia whenever there is serious challenge on the sovereignty and the unity of Somalia.”

The Somalia’s president said discussions also focused on the “tangible benefits of natural resources, that has not been benefited in the past,” noting that “significant progress has been achieved in the exploration of Somalia’s offshore oil and gas resources.” He added that assessments conducted so far “have confirmed positive result,” and that “preparations are under way to proceed to the next phases of drilling operations.”

Beyond the diplomatic exchanges, the visit builds on a series of major energy agreements between the two countries. In April 2025, Turkey and Somalia finalized an onshore energy deal granting the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) exploration and drilling rights across three blocks, marking a major expansion of Ankara’s footprint in Somalia’s energy sector.

That agreement followed an earlier offshore deal signed in March 2024, which allowed Turkey to deploy its seismic research vessel, Oruç Reis, to conduct advanced three-dimensional surveys in Somali waters. The surveys generated critical data on potential hydrocarbon reserves beneath the seabed, laying the groundwork for deeper bilateral cooperation in oil and gas development.

Parliamentary documents in Ankara later revealed that Turkey has secured rights to as much as 90 percent of future oil and gas output. The scale of access highlights the strength of the strategic partnership between the two nations, positioning Ankara as a dominant player in Somalia’s energy landscape while providing Mogadishu with investment, infrastructure, and technical expertise to develop its resource base.

Turkey has emerged as an increasingly influential power in the Horn of Africa, expanding its security, commercial, and diplomatic footprint across the region. Somalia has remained Ankara’s closest ally, a relationship that has reshaped regional alignments and drawn the attention of other external actors, including Israel.

President Mahmoud’s visit to Turkey reflects these shifting regional dynamics. While Somalia has secured broad-based diplomatic support following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Israel has made clear, both at the UN Security Council and in public statements, that it does not intend to reverse its decision. In a recent interview with Newsmax, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position and emphasized Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords.