Friday, July 17, 2026 (HMC) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has submitted a request to the Turkish Parliament seeking a two-year extension of the deployment of Turkish troops in Somalia, in accordance with the defense cooperation agreements between the two countries.
The request, submitted on Friday to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, states that Somalia’s security and stability are important for the stability of the wider region. It also says that the extension would allow Turkish forces to continue supporting Somalia in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
The document notes that Turkey has maintained close political, economic, social, and security ties with the Federal Government of Somalia since 2011. It adds that Ankara has consistently strengthened its cooperation with Somalia during this period.
Under the bilateral agreements covering military training, technical cooperation, defense industry collaboration, and financial support for the armed forces, Turkey has continued to provide military training, advisory services, and technical assistance to strengthen Somalia’s defense and security institutions.
The statement also says that although Somalia’s defense and security forces have sufficient personnel and equipment, financial challenges continue to affect their operational effectiveness.
According to the request, the Federal Government of Somalia has asked Turkey to continue its support—particularly military assistance—through the two countries’ Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement.
The support is described as contributing to efforts to combat terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, human trafficking, and other security threats.
The document also refers to a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted on December 1, 2023. It states that Turkey believes its support for Somalia contributes to long-term stability by strengthening Somalia’s ability to protect its resources and further develop its defense and security institutions.
It further states that this cooperation will help safeguard the security of vital maritime routes used for Turkish trade and shipping, while strengthening efforts to combat terrorism, piracy, and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and nearby waters.
If Parliament approves the request, the authorization granted under Article 92 of the Turkish Constitution will be extended for an additional two years after the current mandate expires on July 27, 2026.
The extension would authorize Turkish forces to continue operating in areas agreed upon by both countries, including Somalia’s territorial waters, under the orders of the President of Turkey and in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. It would also allow Turkish forces to cooperate with other countries and international organizations whenever necessary.
