Turkey has advanced its bilateral relations with Somalia by deploying the energy research vessel Oruc Reis, but rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia jeopardize these investments. Ankara’s mediation efforts face obstacles due to Egypt’s military involvement, raising concerns over the stability of the Horn of Africa. Experts call for increased international support to facilitate dialogue and de-escalate tensions amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.
Turkey’s recent deployment of the energy research vessel Oruc Reis, accompanied by naval escorts, marks a significant stride in enhancing its bilateral relations with Somalia. However, escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia present a formidable challenge to Turkey’s extensive investments in the region, particularly amid stalled mediation efforts by Ankara. Attending the ceremony to bid farewell to the Oruc Reis, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the importance of this mission as part of Turkey’s larger strategic investments in Somalia. Turkey possesses the most prominent embassy globally in Mogadishu, a military base, and control over the port of Mogadishu through a Turkish company. Notably, Turkey has engaged in multiple defense and energy exploration agreements with Somalia, emphasizing the necessity for harmonious relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. The specter of potential conflict has intensified in the Horn of Africa following Ethiopia’s recent memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia has denounced as a threat to its sovereignty. With Ethiopia now granted secure maritime access, Somalia perceives this development as encroaching on its territorial rights. Ankara’s mediation strategies, which aim to ease tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, have faced setbacks, especially after a recent postponement of talks that initially seemed promising. The situation became further complicated by Egypt’s military support to Somalia, including a newly signed defense pact and the provision of arms, which has raised alarms for Ethiopia. Experts note that the involvement of external powers, particularly Egypt, in the military dynamics of Somalia complicates reconciliation efforts between Somalia and Ethiopia. They argue that the present regional rivalries could escalate and obscure pathways to peaceful resolutions. Turkish analysts emphasize the importance of international backing to bolster Ankara’s role in mediating the existing disputes in the Horn of Africa.
The geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa is increasingly complex, primarily due to historical tensions and conflicting national interests among regional powers. Turkey has strategically positioned itself to play a pivotal role, particularly in Somalia, through significant investments and military presence. The enhancement of Turkey-Somalia ties, defined by energy exploration agreements and defense deals, highlights Ankara’s long-term commitment to securing its interests in this strategically vital region. However, the emergence of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia further complicates this scenario, posing risks to Turkey’s investments and regional stability. Experts believe that a lack of effective mediation, alongside the involvement of other nations such as Egypt, threatens to exacerbate existing conflicts and hinder diplomatic efforts.
In conclusion, Turkey’s deepening relations with Somalia, exemplified by the deployment of the Oruc Reis and prior defense agreements, reflect Ankara’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. Yet, rising tensions with Ethiopia pose significant risks to these investments and underscore the complexities of regional diplomacy. As international actors like Egypt engage more deeply in Somali affairs, the need for effective mediation—potentially requiring broader international involvement—becomes increasingly critical to prevent escalation in a region already marked by conflict.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
