Somali MP Accuses Turkey of Exploiting Somalia Amid Rising Israeli-Turkish Rivalry

Somali Member of Parliament Abdullahi Hashi Abib has publicly condemned Turkey's expanding influence in Somalia, accusing Ankara of exploiting the country for strategic gain. In an interview with N12 on August 18, 2026, Abib described Turkey's control over key sectors including fishing, ports, and the airport, as well as its involvement in training Somali security forces and establishing military bases. He warned that Turkey aims to dominate Somalia due to its strategic location.

Experts highlight Somalia's importance to Turkey's ambitions to become a regional power. Since 2011, Turkey has deepened its presence, initially providing humanitarian aid during famine and later securing contracts to manage Mogadishu's port and airport, and assisting in rebuilding the Somali military. In recent years, Turkey has expanded into oil, fishing industries, and space projects, further solidifying its foothold.

This growing Turkish influence has sparked opposition within Somalia, with Abib representing a vocal faction against Ankara's involvement. He alleges widespread corruption, claiming many Somali parliamentarians accept Turkish bribes, hindering efforts to reduce Turkey's control. Shiri Fein-Grossman, CEO of the Israel-Africa Relations Institute, confirms Abib is a prominent critic and that opposition to Turkey's resource agreements is significant.

The situation is complicated by Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region within Somalia, which has angered Mogadishu and intensified tensions between Israel and Turkey. Both countries are competing for influence in the strategically vital Red Sea region. Fein-Grossman notes that Israel and Turkey are effectively battling for dominance in the Red Sea, with Israel reportedly deploying forces in Somalia amid its conflict with Iran.

Abib is actively lobbying the U.S. government and Somali public to counter Turkish interference and hopes Israel will join this effort. He stated that his call for cooperation with Israel reflects the depth of Somali resentment toward Turkey's actions. The rivalry between Turkey and Israel in Somalia underscores the broader geopolitical contest in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.