Somalia’s defense minister was dismissed amid US pressure due to concerns over his Turkish ties and military initiatives. This change reflects a broader tension between US interests and Turkey’s growing influence in the region, with both countries reaffirming commitments to collaborative efforts in Somalia.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed the defense minister, Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, on Sunday amidst pressure from the United States. This change comes as US military support in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab, a terrorist group, appears to be diminishing. Nur has been reassigned to the minister of ports, following concerns about his push for military, energy, and aerospace cooperation with Turkey, which reportedly unsettled Washington due to its preferential ties with the United Arab Emirates in the region.
Under Minister Nur’s leadership, Somalia and Turkey previously signed a comprehensive naval, trade, and defense agreement, which assigned Turkey crucial responsibilities, such as safeguarding Somali waters and aiding in the establishment of a Somali navy in response to regional threats. US officials have expressed their dissatisfaction with Nur’s initiatives, including Turkey’s plans for a spaceport in Somalia, which raised alarms regarding possible long-range missile tests.
Reports indicate that US military officers repeatedly urged President Mohamud to dismiss Nur, highlighting issues surrounding his coordination with American forces. As negotiations regarding the February defense agreement intensified, the US demanded greater access to its details. Turkey’s recent deployment of armed drones to combat al-Shabab was perceived as a significant escalation, ultimately resulting in the Americans prioritizing Nur’s removal to maintain their security collaboration with Mogadishu.
Following the dismissal, reactions within Somalia varied, with support for President Mohamud’s decision emerging from former military officials. However, a Turkish official has downplayed the dismissal’s effect on Turkish-Somali relations, asserting that these relations are rooted in institutional rather than personal ties. Turkey has maintained a comprehensive partnership with Somalia, contributing significantly to infrastructure and defense.
Experts believe that Turkey will persist in its counterterrorism efforts in Somalia while likely focusing on enhancing institutional cooperation. This shift reflects a strategic alignment of mutual interests between the two nations despite the changes in leadership.
In summary, the dismissal of Somalia’s defense minister, Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, underscores the complicated dynamics between Somalia, the United States, and Turkey. This event highlights the pressure exerted by the US on Somalia regarding military cooperation, particularly in light of Nur’s ties to Turkey. Both countries appear committed to preserving constructive relations, although the focus may shift towards institutional frameworks in future collaborations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
