Turkish parliament extends military mission in Somalia until 2028

ANKARA – Turkey's parliament on Tuesday approved President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's request to extend the deployment of Turkish forces in Somalia by two years, allowing the mission to continue until July 2028.

The extension authorises Turkish troops to remain in Somalia under bilateral cooperation agreements aimed at supporting the country's security and defence sectors.

The Turkish government said the mission would continue assisting Somalia in combating terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, human trafficking and other security threats.

In a motion submitted to parliament, the government said Somalia had requested the continuation of Turkish military assistance under the two countries' Defence and Economic Cooperation Agreement.

Ankara said the deployment would help strengthen the capabilities of Somalia's security forces, protect the country's economic resources and support efforts to improve national security.

The government also described Somalia's stability as critical to the security of the Horn of Africa and key maritime routes linking the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, saying the mission contributes to safeguarding some of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

The mandate allows Turkish forces to operate in areas agreed upon by the two governments, including Somalia's territorial waters, in accordance with international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. It also permits cooperation with other countries and international organisations when necessary.

Turkey and Somalia have significantly expanded their ties since 2011 through humanitarian assistance, development projects and defence cooperation.

Turkey operates its largest overseas military training facility in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali soldiers have been trained to strengthen the country's armed forces.

In 2024, the two countries signed a Defence and Economic Cooperation Agreement that broadened Turkey's support for Somalia's maritime security and defence capabilities.

Lawmakers backing Erdogan's government said the extension reflected Turkey's growing role in regional security and reinforced its defence partnership with Somalia in response to a request from the Somali federal government.

GAROWE ONLINE