Turkey is enhancing its relations with Somalia through the launch of an energy research vessel, Oruc Reis, accompanied by military support. Nonetheless, the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia threaten Turkey’s infrastructure investments, particularly as mediation efforts have stalled. Turkey’s historical involvement in the region faces hurdles due to Ethiopia’s recent agreements with Somaliland and Egypt’s increasing military ties with Somalia, complicating the quest for regional stability.
Turkey is intensifying its bilateral relations with Somalia through the deployment of the energy research vessel, Oruc Reis, accompanied by naval support. This initiative is seen as a critical push for energy exploration following a series of agreements enhancing Turkish investments in Somalia. However, the backdrop of escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia poses significant risks to these investments, particularly as Turkey’s mediation efforts have faced delays. With President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s presence marking the vessel’s departure, it underscores Turkey’s strategic investments and military presence in the region, including their extensive embassy and military base in Mogadishu. Turkey’s relations with Somalia have been solidified through a defense agreement and an energy exploration deal signed earlier this year. However, the recent memory of Ethiopia’s memorandum with Somaliland seems to jeopardize these investments, given that Somaliland’s recognition has been condemned by Somalia as a violation of its territorial integrity. The situation is further complicated by Egypt’s recent military engagement with Somalia, having signed a defense pact and supplied armaments to the nation, which could exacerbate tensions with Ethiopia, already strained due to longstanding disputes over the Nile River. Scholars suggest that these rising tensions necessitate international mediation efforts beyond Turkey’s involvement to de-escalate the situation. An absence of new discussions on the Ethiopian-Somali conflict highlights Ankara’s precarious position as it tries to navigate the conflicting interests of regional powers while also addressing the urgent need for stability in this strategically significant area.
The geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa remain tense, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. Turkey has carved out a significant role in the region by establishing a robust diplomatic and military presence, as demonstrated by its largest embassy in the world located in Mogadishu and its military base there. Recent agreements with Somalia indicate Turkey’s long-term commitment to investing in Somalia’s energy sector; however, Ethiopia’s endeavors with Somaliland present formidable challenges to this strategy, as they infringe upon Somalia’s claims to territorial integrity. Egypt’s growing support for Somalia further complicates these diplomatic efforts, as these rivalries intensify amid historical tensions, particularly over water rights associated with the Nile River.
In conclusion, Turkey’s investment strategy in Somalia faces significant challenges owing to rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The potential impact of Ethiopian-Somali hostilities on Turkey’s energy exploration efforts cannot be understated, especially in light of Egypt’s increasing military involvement in Somalia. Effective mediation requires a collaborative international approach to alleviate escalating tensions, underscoring the need for Turkey, along with other international stakeholders, to actively engage in fostering dialogue and encouraging reconciliation efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
