Somali Opposition and Regional States Question Turkiye’s Neutrality as Ankara Leads Political Mediation Efforts

MOGADISHU (SD)— Turkey’s efforts to mediate Somalia’s political crisis are facing growing criticism from opposition leaders and some regional states. They question whether Ankara can act as a neutral mediator because of its close military, political and economic ties with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government.

The dispute comes as talks over constitutional changes and election plans remain deadlocked. Turkiye has stepped in to help bring the government and opposition together after earlier dialogue efforts failed.

However, according to an analysis by the Middle East Forum, Puntland and Jubaland are among the regional states that have refused to join the Turkish-led talks. Their leaders and opposition figures argue that Türkiye has too much influence in Mogadishu to act as a fair mediator.

Critics point to Turkiye’s military support for the federal government. Ankara trains and equips Somali security forces. They say this raises concerns about its role in talks involving disputes between the federal government and regional administrations.

Questions have also been raised about Turkish involvement in South West State. DeSmog reported allegations by regional authorities that joint Somali-Turkish air strikes, officially targeting Al-Shabaab, have also been used against political opponents. These allegations have not been independently established.

Opposition figures have also raised concerns about agreements involving maritime security and offshore oil and gas exploration by Turkish Petroleum Corporation. They argue that some agreements were made without enough parliamentary review.

The Somali federal government and supporters of the Turkish partnership defend Ankara’s role. They say Türkiye has invested heavily in Somalia’s security and institutions and has the diplomatic influence needed to help prevent further political instability.

Without the support of key regional states and opposition groups, however, Türkiye’s mediation efforts may struggle to produce a political agreement.

The main challenge facing Turkiye is a lack of trust among some of Somalia’s political leaders. Its close relationship with President Hassan Sheikh’s government has raised doubts about whether it can treat all sides equally.

For the opposition and regional states, the issue is not simply who leads the talks. They want a process that gives all political groups a fair voice and does not favour the federal government.

Turkiye remains an important partner for Somalia, especially in security and economic development. But its mediation efforts are unlikely to succeed unless Puntland, Jubaland and major opposition groups believe the process is fair.

Somalia needs talks that include all key political sides. Without that agreement, foreign mediation could deepen the divisions it is meant to resolve.