Turkish Land Forces Commander Arrives in Mogadishu to Deepen Defence Ties

MOGADISHU – The Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, General Metin Tokel, has arrived in Mogadishu on an official visit, where he was received by his Somali counterpart, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, in a ceremony at Aden Adde International Airport that underscored the deepening military cooperation between the two nations.

The visit is the latest in a series of high-level military exchanges between Somalia and Turkey, which has emerged as one of Mogadishu’s most consistent security partners over the past decade. Ankara maintains its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu and has recently expanded its defence cooperation to bolster the operational readiness of Somali security forces.

High-level talks between Somali and Turkish defence officials have been a recurring feature of the bilateral relationship, with discussions focused on strengthening military cooperation, enhancing training programmes for the Somali National Army, and deepening the strategic defence partnership.

A Strategic Partnership in Practice

Turkey’s military engagement with Somalia has been comprehensive, encompassing the training of thousands of Somali soldiers, the provision of advanced weaponry, and the establishment of institutional frameworks for long-term capacity building. Since the establishment of the Somali Turkish Task Force Command, Turkey has trained over 5,000 Somali security personnel.

Somalia and Türkiye renewed their defence ties with a revised protocol in July 2025, marking a strategic recalibration of the original agreement and ushering in a new phase of enhanced military cooperation. The revised protocol underscores Türkiye’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s security sector, with particular emphasis on building the capacity of the Somali National Army.

Training and Equipment Support

Turkey’s military support has been multi-faceted, ranging from specialised training for elite units to the delivery of advanced equipment. Turkish military instructors have conducted specialised training for members of the elite Gorgor unit in Mogadishu, equipping Somalia’s most capable units with skills in infantry manoeuvres, urban warfare, and counter-terrorism operations.

The Federal Government has secured substantial military assistance from Turkey, including armoured vehicles, advanced communication systems, command equipment, and night-vision technology. Turkish military instructors have been actively conducting specialised training for Somali forces, with footage showing Somali officers and soldiers undergoing advanced tactical drills under Turkish supervision.

Naval and Maritime Cooperation

Beyond land forces, Turkey has also been a key partner in rebuilding Somalia’s maritime defence capabilities. The Chief of the Somali Navy has met with the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces to advance cooperation, with discussions centered on training Somali naval personnel, delivering essential maritime equipment, and helping reestablish a fully operational Somali Navy. Turkey has already trained dozens of Somali naval officers and provided patrol boats, contributing to increased maritime surveillance along Somalia’s coastline.

Regional and Political Context

The visit comes at a time when Turkey is navigating a complex role in Somalia’s political landscape. While Ankara has been a cornerstone security partner, it has also been engaged in mediation efforts between the Federal Government and opposition groups. Turkish officials have held high-level meetings with regional leaders, including Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, to discuss bilateral security cooperation and political stability.

Way Forward

The visit of General Tokel is expected to further solidify the defence partnership between the two countries, with a focus on continued training, equipment provision, and strategic coordination. As Somalia works toward assuming full security responsibility from international forces, Turkey’s role as a key ally is likely to remain central to the country’s efforts to professionalise its military and address persistent security threats.