Garowe – Authorities in Puntland have called for a review of the growing partnership between Somalia and Türkiye, warning that the current trajectory of bilateral agreements could threaten national sovereignty unless greater transparency and equilibrium are established.
In a statement released by Abdifitah Mohamed Abdinur, Puntland’s Minister of State for the Presidency, the regional administration acknowledged Türkiye’s significant contributions to Somalia’s reconstruction—specifically in infrastructure development, social services, and military training.
However, Abdinur stressed that the central issue is no longer about the volume of aid received, but rather whether the existing framework of agreements genuinely serves Somalia’s long-term strategic interests.
While noting Somalia’s strategic maritime location and considerable economic potential, the Minister expressed concern over the federal government’s negotiating leverage and the opaque nature of major contracts. He warned that when large-scale agreements are executed without public clarity, they risk fostering public suspicion and eroding confidence in state institutions, a particularly dangerous dynamic for a country emerging from prolonged instability.
On security matters, Abdinur described the military cooperation as especially delicate. He argued that while capacity-building for Somali forces is essential, there must be safeguards against external influence that could compromise the autonomy of the nation’s security apparatus. He cautioned that any perception of the military being drawn into political affairs could exacerbate existing tensions and deepen national divisions.
The remarks were made one day after the Federal Government of Somalia and the Turkish government formally launched a joint offshore oil exploration mission in Somali waters.
