Turkey to Send Delegation to Somalia to Help Ease Election Dispute: Sources

MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 23 — Türkiye is preparing to send a high-level delegation to Mogadishu after the Eid holidays to discuss ways of resolving Somalia’s ongoing electoral dispute with federal leaders, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The sources said Turkish officials have intensified diplomatic efforts in recent weeks as political tensions continue to rise over Somalia’s electoral framework and constitutional changes.

According to informed sources, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and Turkish intelligence agencies have held meetings with opposition figures and envoys linked to them, seeking to reassure them that Turkey is not aligned exclusively with the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud but is instead interested in supporting an inclusive political settlement.

The renewed Turkish engagement is being interpreted by political observers as a sign that Ankara has become increasingly concerned about Somalia’s deepening political divisions and is seeking to avoid being perceived as taking sides in the dispute.

Türkiye has in recent months faced accusations from Somali political figures of interfering in the country’s domestic political affairs. Critics, including Abdulaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, have questioned Ankara’s role in Somali politics and accused it of contributing to political disputes linked to leadership changes in the South West state.

The Somali federal government and opposition groups remain divided over proposed constitutional amendments and the model for future elections, despite repeated calls for dialogue.

GAROWE ONLINE