Erdogan seeks two-year extension for Turkish troop deployment in Somalia

Sunday July 19, 2026

Ankara (HOL) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked Parliament to extend the deployment of Turkish troops in Somalia for two years following a request from the Somali government for continued military assistance.

The motion, submitted Friday to Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, would extend the current mandate, which expires July 27, 2026, under bilateral defense cooperation agreements.

The presidential request said Somalia’s security and stability are important to the wider region and that extending the deployment would allow Turkish forces to continue supporting efforts to combat terrorism and other security threats.

The motion said Turkey has maintained political, economic, social and security cooperation with Somalia’s federal government since 2011 and has built public trust through sustained engagement.

Under agreements covering military training, technical cooperation, defense industry collaboration and financial assistance, Ankara has provided training, advice and other support aimed at rebuilding Somalia’s defense and security institutions.

The document said Somalia’s security forces have sufficient personnel and resources but that economic constraints continue to limit their operational effectiveness.

It said the Somali government requested continued Turkish assistance, including military support, under a bilateral defense and economic cooperation framework to counter terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other threats.

The motion also cited a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted Dec. 1, 2023, saying Turkey’s support is intended to help Somalia protect and better use its economic resources while strengthening its security forces.

The request said cooperation would also contribute to security in maritime areas important to Turkish trade and shipping and support efforts against terrorism, piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.

If approved, the mandate would allow Turkish military personnel to operate in jointly designated areas, including waters under Somalia’s jurisdiction, under rules set by the Turkish president and in accordance with international law and relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Turkish forces would also be authorized to cooperate with third countries and international organizations when necessary.

Turkey operates its largest overseas military training facility in Mogadishu, where it has trained Somali National Army officers and specialized units as part of broader security cooperation between the two countries.