By Djama Mahamoud Ali

To the Esteemed Government of the Republic of Turkey,

Your Excellency,

On behalf of a concerned segment of the Somali populace who hold the Republic of Turkey in high regard, I write this letter to express profound gratitude, but also to convey a critical observation regarding the trajectory of our bilateral relationship. Somalis view Turkey not merely as an ally, but as a brotherly nation that stood by Somalia during its darkest hour.

Somali people have not forgotten that when much of the international community turned a blind eye to the famine, conflict, and fragmentation that plagued Somalia, Turkey, under the leadership of His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took the unprecedented step of visiting Mogadishu in 2011. That visit was a turning point. It was a powerful signal of solidarity that broke the diplomatic siege on Somalia and reminded the world of the Somali people’s plight. For this moral and humanitarian leadership, the Somali people remain eternally grateful.

Somalis equally acknowledge the substantial efforts undertaken by the Turkish government to rebuild the Somali National Army. The establishment and operation of the Turkish Embassy Military Training Base in Mogadishu (TURKSOM) which has been instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Your commitment to training and equipping Somali forces has provided a backbone for the national defense, and Somalis recognize the sacrifices made by Turkish military personnel in assisting Somalia to secure its sovereignty.

The fruits of the Turkish partnership are visible across Mogadishu. From the renovation of the Aden Adde International Airport, the rehabilitation of Mogadishu port and the construction of the Mogadishu Turkey Hospital to the building of roads and educational institutions, Turkey has provided infrastructure that was previously unimaginable after decades of civil war. These projects have saved lives and restored a semblance of normalcy to the Somali capital.

However, it is with a sense of growing concern that I must address a pattern that threatens the longevity of this goodwill. While the projects in Mogadishu are commendable, the concentration of Turkish development and investment appears heavily skewed toward the capital. Furthermore, there is a widespread perception that these opportunities and resources are predominantly benefiting specific region within the capital, rather than the nation at large. Somalia is a federal republic comprised of multiple states Puntland, Jubaland, South West, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Somaliland and the North-East State. The exclusion of these territories from the equitable distribution of Turkish development programs risks creating a narrative of favoritism.

If Turkey seeks to establish a long-lasting, strategic relationship with the Somali nation rather than a transactional relationship with a single administration, it is imperative to understand that, Somalia is not Mogadishu alone and Mogadishu only is not Somalia. While I fully respect the need to work through the legitimate federal government in Mogadishu, I respectfully urge Turkish authorities to ensure that development programs are equitably distributed across all federal member states.

Additionally, there is a growing concern regarding the use of the Turkish-trained forces. While these forces are essential for counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, it is crucial that they are not utilized as instruments of political pressure against federal member states. The stability of Somalia relies on a delicate balance between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMS).

 I urge Turkey to ensure that the military training provided is used solely for the purpose of national defense and counter-terrorism, and never to suppress or destabilize regional states. In this regard I call on the Turkish authorities to exercise press on President Hassan not to deploy Turkish-trained forces or Turkish-supplied military equipment against Federal member States. Such use undermines the stability of the country, fuels internal conflicts and contradicts the stated purpose of the security assistance Turky provides. Given the current situation, I recommend that Turkey should condition continued support on respect for the provisional constitution and dialogue with member states

I have decided to pen this letter upon noticing a rising tide of anxiety among the Somali people. There is a fear that the “Turkey Model” of engagement, once celebrated as a beacon of selfless assistance—is becoming politically skewed. To preserve the brotherly bond between our nations, I ask that the Turkish government take a holistic view of Somalia.

True friendship is defined not only by support during times of crisis but by the wisdom to ensure that support unifies a nation rather than inadvertently divides it.

I pray for the continued prosperity and leadership of the Republic of Turkey.

Respectfully submitted, March26.2026

Djama Mahamoud Ali
A Concerned Somali Citizen
Email: Djama_m@yahoo.com