With Trump’s Somaliland Recognition on the Table, Turkey Ramps Up Hargeisa

[Deeq A.]

Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, has embarked on a two-day visit to Somaliland, where he met with officials in Hargeisa to discuss development support, strengthen bilateral ties, and potentially mediate in the stalled Somalia-Somaliland talks.

During his visit, Ambassador Aktaş met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro, Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan, and Kaah political party leader Mohamud Hashi Abdi, a key government ally.

A statement from the Somaliland presidency highlighted discussions on trade, investment, education, healthcare, and diplomacy.

“The President emphasized the importance of direct and strategic cooperation,” the statement read.

Similarly, President Irro’s foreign affairs adviser, Mohamed Hagi, described the visit as marking a “new chapter” in Turkey-Somaliland relations.

“Somaliland and Türkiye share deep historical ties and cultural affinities, and with the Türkiye Ambassador’s fruitful discussions with H.E. the President, a new phase in their bilateral relations is set to begin,” he wrote on X.

The Turkish Embassy also stated that discussions focused on Türkiye’s past support for Somaliland’s development and preparations for new projects in the near future.

Türkiye’s Strategic Role in Regional Diplomacy

Türkiye has been actively involved in regional mediation, notably hosting talks in Ankara last December between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to de-escalate tensions over Somaliland’s controversial MoU with Ethiopia.

The visit has sparked debate online, with some pro-Somalia groups accusing Türkiye of playing a “double game” in the region.

However, Ankara’s engagement in Somaliland comes amid prolonged deadlock in talks between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, with diplomatic sources suggesting Türkiye may attempt to revive negotiations.

U.S. Interest in Somaliland

As Türkiye deepens its involvement in Somaliland, the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa is shifting, with major international players maneuvering for influence amid discussions on Somaliland’s potential recognition.

The renewed Turkish engagement also coincides with reports that the new Donald Trump administration in the U.S. is considering formally recognizing Somaliland.

This move is reportedly influenced by Washington’s strategic interest in countering China’s growing presence in Djibouti, where the U.S. maintains a key military base.

Berbera, Somaliland’s major port on the Gulf of Aden, has long been seen as a potential alternative for U.S. military operations.

Just last week, President Irro spoke at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, advocating for Somaliland’s recognition and highlighting its strategic geographical importance.

Horn Observer

Qaran News