Somalia’s Defence Minister Dismissed Amid U.S. Concerns Over Turkey Ties

Somalia’s President dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur amid U.S. pressure over his Turkey ties, impacting military cooperation. Nur’s reassignment follows concerns about U.S. support for combating al-Shabab and Turkey’s military agreements. The situation highlights the intersection of international dynamics and Somalia’s internal security challenges.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur amid U.S. lobbying pressures regarding Nur’s connections with Turkey. Nur has been reassigned to oversee the Ministry of Ports, as U.S. military support for Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab appeared to diminish. His growing military and economic relationship with Turkey concerned Washington, which prefers stronger ties with the United Arab Emirates in the region.

Under Nur’s administration, Somalia and Turkey strengthened cooperation through a naval, trade, and defense agreement signed in February 2022. Although the specifics of this agreement remain undisclosed, it reportedly enables Turkey to protect Somali waters, establish a navy, and aid in energy resource exploration, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland.

US military officers allegedly pressured President Mohamud to terminate Nur’s position, indicating concerns over his failure to collaborate effectively with American forces. There were calls for access to the February agreement during repeated discussions throughout the year, as U.S. lobbying intensified to ensure alignment with American interests.

U.S. displeasure grew regarding Turkey’s efforts to establish a spaceport in Somalia as well as its plans to explore oil and gas resources there. The deployment of Turkish Bayraktar Akinci drones into Somalia to combat al-Shabab was perceived as overstepping, prompting a stern warning from the U.S., which suggested reconsidering security cooperation if Nur remained in his position.

The situation escalated further with a recent U.S. security warning about a potential al-Shabab attack in Mogadishu, impacting airline operations. Simultaneously, U.S. military support for Somalia has been reduced, including cuts to funding for the elite Danab Special Forces unit, which may hinder operational capabilities against al-Shabab.

While a former commander welcomed the leadership change, a Turkish official reassured that the relationship between Turkey and Somalia relies on institutional ties and would remain unaffected. Investments in Somalia’s infrastructure and defense reinforce the commitment of Turkey to support the country and its counterterrorism measures moving forward.

The dismissal of Somalia’s Defence Minister reflects the complex interplay of international relations and internal security dynamics, particularly involving the U.S. and Turkey. The shift underscores the importance of institutional cooperation in bilateral relations and indicates that strategic interests will guide future collaborations. The evolving situation necessitates close observation as it impacts regional security against threats such as al-Shabab.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net