By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert and Political Analyst
Somaliland has called on Cyprus and Greece to reconsider their stance regarding recognition of Somaliland, following contact between Somalia’s new Speaker of Parliament, Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, and the Turkish-backed Northern Cyprus, which claims to have seceded from the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the Cyprus Mail, Somaliland stated it stands with the Republic of Cyprus and Greece, while warning against what it described as “Somali and Turkish aggression.” Somaliland also questioned the relationship between Somalia’s Parliamentary Speaker and his Northern Cypriot counterpart.
”Cyprus and Greece should conduct a fresh strategic review of the Republic of Somaliland,” Somaliland declared, arguing that recognition could create new opportunities in diplomacy, economics, and security.
The statements came after Somalia’s Parliamentary Speaker held a phone call with Northern Cyprus Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler, who congratulated him on his recent appointment. Nur later posted a thank-you message on social media addressed to the Northern Cyprus Speaker, but the post was subsequently deleted.
Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed on Friday that Somalia’s position on the Cyprus issue remains unchanged. The ministry stated it respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and cohesion of the Republic of Cyprus, based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
However, the Somali Foreign Ministry’s swift rebuke and clarification are reported to have angered some Turkish politicians, given the deep and strategic alliance between Ankara and Mogadishu. While Turkish officials have not issued formal statements condemning the move, diplomatic observers suggest the incident has caused unease in Ankara, which views Northern Cyprus as a close ally and would likely perceive any engagement with it—even inadvertently—as a diplomatic misstep. The timing is particularly sensitive, as Turkey’s Parliament recently approved an extension of Turkish military presence in Somalia until July 2028, underscoring the high stakes in their bilateral relationship.
Somalia and Turkey have long maintained close strategic relations, spanning security, education, health, economy, and infrastructure development. Turkey’s Parliament approved last month an extension of Turkish military presence in Somalia until July 2028, with Ankara stating it supports Somalia in combating terrorism, piracy, and other threats.
About the Author: Jama Ayaanle Feyte is a distinguished journalist, a specialist in Horn of Africa security dynamics, and a political analyst whose work focuses on governance, conflict resolution, and regional integration.
