Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sacked Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur amid US pressure due to his ties with Turkey. The move follows unease regarding Nur’s military cooperation with Turkey, which includes a naval agreement and operational military support against al-Shabab. Despite the change in leadership, Turkish officials assert that relations will remain strong, prioritizing institutional collaboration.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed the Minister of Defence, Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, following lobbying by the US military. Nur has been reassigned to the role of Minister of Ports amid signals that US military support for Somalia’s battle against al-Shabab is diminishing. His initiatives to enhance military cooperation with Turkey have caused unease in Washington, which favors closer ties with the United Arab Emirates in the region.
Under Nur’s tenure, Somalia and Turkey forged a comprehensive naval, trade, and defense agreement in February 2023. Details of the arrangement are undisclosed, but it is believed to empower Turkey to secure Somali waters, help establish a navy, and assist in energy resource exploration due to Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland.
A Somali official reported that US military officers exerted significant pressure on President Mohamud to relieve Nur from duty due to concerns regarding his coordination with American forces. They sought access to the February agreement, and discussions on this matter increased throughout the year. Furthermore, US officials expressed disapproval regarding Turkey’s plans to construct a spaceport in Somalia, a move perceived to potentially test long-range ballistic missiles.
Reports indicated that US officials were further perturbed by Turkey’s agreements to explore oil and gas in Somali territory. A source noted that Turkey’s recent deployment of armed drones to Mogadishu proved to be a tipping point. The officials conveyed that Nur’s continued position would lead to a reconsideration of US security cooperation against al-Shabab.
Earlier in the month, the US embassy in Mogadishu issued a security warning about possible attacks by al-Shabab, prompting flight cancellations from several airlines. Moreover, President Donald Trump had previously ordered air strikes on the Islamic State in Somalia, and in March, the US reduced funding to the elite Danab Special Forces, compelling the Somali government to find alternative funding for their salaries.
Ahmad Abdullahi Sheikh, a former commander of Danab, commended President Mohamud’s decision to dismiss Nur, expressing support for the change in leadership. Conversely, a Turkish official remarked that Nur’s removal would not affect bilateral relations, asserting that Turkey’s commitment to Somalia is grounded in institutional cooperation rather than individual relationships.
In conclusion, Tunc Demirtas, a regional expert, expressed confidence that Turkey would persist in its support for Somalia’s counterterrorism endeavors, emphasizing a shift towards institutional fortification over individual ties. This strategic focus aims to maintain cooperation that aligns with mutual interests, despite recent political changes in Somalia.
In summary, the dismissal of Somalia’s Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur highlights the impact of US lobbying on Somali politics, particularly in relation to military cooperation with Turkey. US concerns over coordination with its forces and Turkey’s military presence in Somalia prompted this significant decision. Both parties—Somalia and Turkey—appear committed to continuing their relationship, focusing on institutional cooperation rather than personal ties. This evolving dynamic underscores the complexities of international relations in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
