Somalis Demonstrate Outside Turkish Consulate in Canada, Demand Answers Over Military Assistance

Mogadishu (WDN) — A growing political controversy is raising uncomfortable questions about the use of foreign-supplied military assistance in Somalia, after Somali demonstrators protested outside the Turkish Consulate in Canada, accusing the Federal Government of deploying Turkish-provided military assets against political opponents rather than against Al-Shabaab militants.

Carrying banners and placards, protesters urged Turkish authorities to scrutinize how military equipment provided to Somalia is being used. Demonstrators argued that assistance intended to strengthen Somalia’s fight against terrorism is allegedly being redirected toward domestic political confrontations.

The protest reflects mounting anger among sections of the Somali public over recent security operations and military actions that critics describe as politically motivated. Among the grievances raised by protesters were government operations targeting traditional leaders and politicians in Mogadishu. Demonstrators also highlighted recent events in Baidoa, as well as demolitions and displacement operations in parts of Mogadishu that they claim have left numerous civilians homeless.

At the center of the controversy is the allegation that military hardware supplied by Turkey—including armored vehicles, military equipment, and drone technology intended to support counterterrorism operations—is being used in internal political disputes rather than in the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab.