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.

Neither the Turkish government nor Somali federal authorities have publicly responded to the accusations. The controversy intensified further following reports of an aerial strike on the outskirts of Baidoa, a development that has added to already escalating political and security tensions in South West State.

Hassan Abdi Mohamed, spokesperson for the opposition-aligned South West administration, claimed that today’s strike targeted forces under his administration’s command. According to him, no casualties were sustained despite the attack. 

The spokesperson accused the Federal Government of Somalia of being behind the operation and alleged that drones used in the strike were part of military equipment supplied by Turkey to Somalia. However, neither the Federal Government nor the Turkish government has commented on the allegation, and no independent verification has emerged confirming responsibility for the reported strike.

Hassan Abdi Mohamed further criticized what he described as the increasing militarization of political disputes, accusing former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of attempting to resolve political disagreements through force rather than dialogue. Federal authorities have not publicly responded to those claims.

The allegations come at a time when political tensions surrounding electoral processes and the future leadership of South West State are reaching new heights. Rival political factions continue to exchange accusations, while efforts to find a negotiated settlement appear increasingly strained.

The growing overlap between security operations and political competition risks deepening divisions at a time when Somalia remains engaged in a critical fight against extremist groups. They caution that if political disputes become increasingly militarized, public confidence in state institutions could be severely undermined.

For many protesters, the issue extends beyond a single military operation or political dispute. They argue that international military assistance provided to Somalia should remain focused on combating terrorism and strengthening national security, not becoming entangled in domestic political rivalries.

Whether those concerns are justified remains fiercely contested. What is clear, however, is that the debate over the use of foreign military support has become the latest flashpoint in Somalia’s increasingly polarized political landscape, with potentially significant implications for relations between the government, opposition groups, and international partners.

WardheerNews