The Turkish parliament has approved a two-year extension to the ongoing deployment of Turkish forces in the federal Government of Somalia, signaling that Ankara will continue supporting Somalia’s security institutions.
The decision will take effect on July 27, allowing Turkish troops to continue providing training, advisory support, and technical assistance to Somalia’ Armed Forces
The mission is also focused on contributing to efforts to counter Al-Shabaab, piracy, illegal fishing, arms smuggling and other maritime-related threats affecting Somalia’s waters.
In a submission to parliament signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish government said extending the operation is important for strengthening the capabilities of Somalia’s security agencies and for safeguarding stability in the Horn of Africa region.
Turkey is among the countries that closely cooperate with Somalia in security matters.
In 2017, Turkey helped establish TURKSOM, a military training facility in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali personnel have been trained.
The cooperation between the two countries has since expanded across defense, maritime security, and improvements in the quality of Somalia’s forces.
This extension comes at a time when the Somali government continues military operations against Al-Shabaab fighters, while also working to strengthen the national armed forces and improve security along the coast and over maritime resources.
Mustaqbal
