Somalia’s President dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur due to US military pressure linked to Nur’s ties with Turkey. Under Nur, Somalia forged a naval agreement with Turkey, raising US concerns about military coordination, particularly regarding al-Shabab. Despite Nur’s reassignment, Turkey asserts its institutional ties with Somalia will remain strong, focusing on ongoing cooperation in defense and infrastructure.
On Sunday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur under influence from the United States military. Nur has been reassigned as the Minister of Ports due to concerns that US support for Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab, a group known as a terrorist organization by the US, was declining. Reports indicate that Nur’s efforts to strengthen military ties with Turkey raised apprehensions in Washington, which prefers closer relations with the United Arab Emirates in eastern Africa.
During Nur’s tenure, a significant naval, trade, and defense agreement was established between Somalia and Turkey in February 2022. Although specific details of the agreement have not been publicly revealed, it purportedly grants Turkey responsibility for safeguarding Somalia’s waters, aiding in the establishment of a Somali navy, and facilitating energy resource exploration in response to Ethiopia’s naval agreements with Somaliland.
US pressure on President Mohamud intensified, with military officers urging him to remove Nur due to his inadequate coordination with American forces. Concerns also emerged regarding Turkey’s proposed spaceport in Somalia, viewed as a potential for missile testing. An official indicated that US officials made it clear that failure to dismiss Nur could jeopardize security cooperation against al-Shabab.
Further exacerbating US concerns were Turkey’s recent deployment of armed drones to Somalia aimed at combating al-Shabab and agreements to explore oil and gas resources, which unsettled US officials. With increased threats from al-Shabab, the US embassy in Mogadishu issued a security warning affecting airline operations. Previously, the US also halted funding for the Danab Special Forces, crucial in combating insurgents, leading to discussions of alternative funding options.
In contrast, Turkish officials minimized the impact of Nur’s removal on Turkey-Somalia relations, asserting that bilateral agreements are rooted in institutional cooperation. Contributing significantly to Somalia’s development through infrastructure and defense investments, Turkey remains optimistic about sustaining its commitment to counterterrorism efforts. Experts emphasize the importance of focusing on institutional frameworks over individual actors to maintain strategic partnerships aligned with mutual goals.
The dismissal of Somalia’s Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur reflects significant US influence amid concerns over his ties to Turkey. This development raises questions about the future of US-Somalia relations, especially in the context of security cooperation against al-Shabab. Meanwhile, Turkish officials maintain that their partnership with Somalia will endure regardless of personnel changes, emphasizing the significance of institutional rather than individual ties.Overall, this situation highlights the complexities of international relations in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
