Mogadishu — Somali opposition politicians have criticised Türkiye following a statement from the Turkish Embassy reaffirming support for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arguing that the move risks deepening political tensions during a fragile period in Somalia’s political transition.
Among the most outspoken critics was Somali MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, who accused Ankara of undermining neutrality at a time of growing uncertainty over Somalia’s electoral process and constitutional order.
In a statement posted on X, the opposition lawmaker said the Turkish Embassy’s message “sends a deeply troubling political signal” by publicly aligning itself with the Somali president immediately after what he described as the expiration of the government’s constitutional mandate.
“The Turkish government’s decision to publicly reaffirm support for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at a moment when Somalia faces a contested political transition and no agreed electoral framework sends a deeply troubling political signal,” the MP said.
He warned that external backing for a disputed administration could damage trust in international partners and weaken prospects for political consensus inside Somalia.
“Somalis have long valued the historic relationship with Türkiye, built on solidarity and mutual respect,” he added. “That relationship must remain anchored in support for the Somali people, constitutional governance, and inclusive political consensus — not personalised alignment with a single political figure during a fragile and contested transition.”
Türkiye has become one of Somalia’s closest foreign allies over the past decade, investing heavily in infrastructure, education, humanitarian aid and military cooperation. Ankara also operates its largest overseas military training facility in Mogadishu and has played an increasingly influential role in Somalia’s security and economic sectors.
However, critics within Somalia’s opposition increasingly argue that Turkey’s close ties with Villa Somalia risk drawing Ankara into domestic political disputes. Some opposition figures accuse foreign partners of prioritising stability and strategic interests over democratic legitimacy and constitutional accountability.
The latest criticism comes amid mounting political disagreements over Somalia’s electoral model, constitutional reforms and the concentration of power within the federal government. Opposition leaders have repeatedly called for broader consultations and a consensus-based political process to avoid instability.
“Somalia’s stability cannot be sustained through external endorsement of expired mandates or concentration of power,” Abdishakur said. “Durable peace and stability require legitimacy, broad political agreement, accountable institutions and public trust.”
Neither the Turkish Embassy nor Somalia’s federal government immediately responded publicly to the criticism.
Political analysts say the dispute highlights growing sensitivities around the role of international actors in Somalia’s internal affairs, particularly as the country navigates a complex transition while continuing to battle insecurity and political fragmentation.
