MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey and Israel are intensifying competition for influence in the Horn of Africa, with Ankara bolstering its military and energy ties with Somalia while Israel focuses on the breakaway Somaliland region.
Earlier this year, Somalia said it was ready to begin offshore drilling after a Turkish vessel arrived in April to launch operations.
The move follows earlier exploration by Turkey’s research vessel Oruç Reis, which collected seismic data indicating potential offshore oil and gas reserves.
Somalia is believed to hold significant untapped resources, though most remain undeveloped compared with major African oil producers such as Libya and Nigeria.
Since 2011, Turkey has been a close partner of Somalia, providing humanitarian aid, military training and major investments in infrastructure projects nationwide.
In December 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to build a spaceport in Somalia, alongside possible satellite launch and naval facilities.
Turkey has also deployed military equipment, including fighter jets and tanks, to secure its facilities, particularly in Warsheikh, north of Mogadishu.
It recently reopened its military base in Mogadishu, strengthening its role in training Somali forces, including elite units fighting the al-Shabab militant group.
Meanwhile, Israel has focused on Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northwestern Somalia that lacks international recognition but holds strategic importance.
In late 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel recognized Somaliland, describing the decision as consistent with the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
The move sparked criticism from Somalia and several Arab nations, which rejected the recognition as illegal and a threat to regional stability.
Turkey also condemned the decision, with Erdogan calling it unacceptable and warning it could undermine stability across the Horn of Africa.
Despite criticism, Israel has explored plans to establish a military presence in Somaliland, citing its location near key shipping routes and Yemen.
Analysts say the Horn of Africa is becoming a key arena for geopolitical competition, given its proximity to the Red Sea and Middle East.
Tensions between Turkey and Israel have also grown over broader regional issues, including Gaza and Syria, reflecting a wider struggle for influence, with Somalia now emerging as a central arena in a broader contest for power across the region.
