By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 13 May 2026 Turkey denied allegations that it is interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs, calling claims about Turkish military involvement in politics “entirely unfounded”.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Turkey’s Center for Countering Disinformation said accusations circulating on social media that Ankara was using its military presence in Somalia to suppress opposition groups or support a particular political actor were false.
“The Turkish military elements have no involvement whatsoever in Somalia’s electoral processes or internal political dynamics,” the statement said.
The Turkish government said its cooperation with Somalia was being carried out in accordance with international law and focused on supporting Somalia’s security, stability and institutional development.
The statement added that Turkish military activities in Somalia are aimed at restructuring the Somali National Army, modernizing security institutions and strengthening counterterrorism capabilities.
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Turkey also said it respected Somalia’s sovereignty and supported the peaceful continuation of democratic processes in the country.
“Turkey supports the peaceful advancement of Somalia’s democratic processes and fully respects the will of the Somali people and the country’s sovereignty,” the statement said.
Ankara further urged the public not to trust what it described as “black propaganda” and disinformation campaigns intended to damage relations between Turkey and Somalia.
Turkey has maintained close diplomatic, economic and security ties with Somalia for more than a decade and operates one of its largest overseas military training facilities in Mogadishu.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions in Somalia linked to debates over constitutional reforms, elections and opposition protests in Mogadishu.