Ankara appoints experienced diplomat Ferhat Alkan as new envoy to Mogadishu.
Turkey has appointed a new ambassador to Somalia as part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle that has seen nearly 30 envoys reassigned or recalled from posts across Africa and other regions.
The changes, announced by the Turkish government, are part of what officials describe as an effort to strengthen the effectiveness of Turkey’s diplomatic representation abroad and align its foreign policy objectives with evolving regional priorities.
Under the reshuffle, diplomat Ferhat Alkan has been named Turkey’s new ambassador to Mogadishu, replacing the country’s previous envoy to Somalia.
The ambassadorial change comes after Somalia’s outgoing Turkish ambassador faced criticism from some Somali political figures, who accused him of interfering in the country’s domestic political affairs. The allegations generated significant debate in recent months, although no official findings have been announced regarding the claims.
Mr Alkan brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role. He currently serves as Turkey’s ambassador to Mozambique and has previously held the position of Turkish Consul General in the United States.
According to his official biography, Mr Alkan holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara and a master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
Turkey has significantly expanded its presence in Somalia over the past decade, becoming one of the country’s key international partners through investments in infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, education and security cooperation.
The latest appointment is expected to play an important role in maintaining and further developing relations between Ankara and Mogadishu as the two countries continue to deepen diplomatic and economic ties.
