Türkiye is pushing back against allegations that it is interfering in Somalia’s domestic affairs, insisting that its engagement with the country is guided by inclusivity, impartiality and non-interference in domestic politics.
The issue has moved to the centre of Somalia’s political debate as the dispute between the Federal Government and the former President of South West Regional State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen”, continues alongside accusations directed at Türkiye over its support for Somali security forces.
The argument that Türkiye is interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs, particularly through its security assistance in the fight against terrorism, is being actively circulated across social media platforms.
In a statement shared with Somali Stream, Türkiye rejected the accusation, arguing that its record in Somalia does not support it. Türkiye maintains that its humanitarian, financial, military, and political assistance has been designed to promote the welfare of the Somali population as a whole.
Ankara maintains that its policy is deliberately sensitive to all sections of Somali society and that it has sought to maintain an inclusive and impartial stance towards all political actors.
The Turkish position further stresses that Ankara has maintained an equal distance from competing political parties and has refrained from intervening in Somalia’s domestic political affairs, while continuing close cooperation with successive Somali governments.
That approach, Türkiye argues, is recognised by a broad section of Somali society, including figures within the opposition.
Meanwhile, as efforts continue to counter misinformation and disinformation surrounding the Dollow attack, several opposition leaders in Mogadishu told Somali Stream that Türkiye has disassociated itself from the incident and pledged to maintain its neutrality in Somalia’s domestic politics.
Türkiye Points to Its Mediation Role
Ankara also points to its diplomatic initiative launched in June 2026 as evidence of its stated approach. The initiative sought to help resolve Somalia’s political crisis and, according to the Turkish position, facilitated the cessation of hostilities in Mogadishu on 4 June 2026 between the Government and opposition actors.
The significance Ankara attaches to the initiative is clear.
Rather than intervening on behalf of one side, Türkiye presents its role as an effort to bring Somali political actors towards an end to hostilities and a political resolution. That position was reinforced on 8 July 2026, when both the Government and prominent opposition groups issued statements expressing their gratitude to Türkiye for its role in the process.
For Ankara, the response from both sides is a central element of its argument that its engagement has remained inclusive rather than partisan.
Security Support Remains a Core Commitment
Türkiye is equally firm that its support for Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts will continue. Turkish authorities have repeatedly emphasised, according to the position outlined in the statement, that Ankara intends to maintain its support for Somalia’s efforts against terrorism while preserving its policy of inclusivity towards political actors and non-interference in domestic politics.
The two positions, security cooperation and political impartiality are presented by Türkiye as complementary rather than contradictory. Its argument is that assistance to Somali security forces within the framework of counter-terrorism does not amount to intervention in Somalia’s domestic political contest.
As accusations surrounding the South West crisis continue to circulate, Ankara is therefore placing its Somalia policy on three stated foundations: counter-terrorism support, inclusivity towards all parties, and non-interference in domestic politics. Türkiye says those principles will continue to guide its engagement with Somalia with “utmost sensitivity and determination.”