Bosaso (WDN)- A high-level Turkish delegation led by Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Akta, met with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni in Bosaso over the detention of the Turkish-flagged cargo ship MV Sea World.

The vessel, seized by Puntland maritime security forces on late July, was found carrying shipment of weapons and military supplies. It had departed from Izmir, Turkey, bound for Mogadishu. Puntland authorities launched an investigation, prompting confusion over the shipment’s ownership and intended destination.

Both Somali businessmen in Mogadishu and the Turkish ambassador had reportedly claimed ties to the cargo, fueling speculation about its purpose and raising concerns over a possible breach of Somalia’s arms embargo.

Puntland officials voiced unease over the opaque nature of the arms delivery, warning that such incidents risk clandestinely arming factions in the capital. Nevertheless, no independent inquiry was conducted into the vessel’s weapons or ownership. President Deni personally led all communications, negotiations, and decisions surrounding the incident, positioning himself as the sole authority micromanaging the affair.

In a statement, the Puntland government said: “Based on evidence provided by the Turkish government and our own investigation, Puntland has decided to transfer responsibility for the MV Sea World and its cargo to Turkey.”

The episode has raised tensions between Puntland, Mogadishu, and Ankara at a time of heightened regional instability.

WardheerNews