Türkiye denies claims of meddling in Somalia’s internal politics

Türkiye on Wednesday dismissed allegations circulating on social media that Ankara is using its military presence in Somalia to interfere with specific political figures or parties, describing the claims as baseless.

Cooperation fully within international law

In a statement posted on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Türkiye’s Center for Combating Disinformation said the claims are “entirely unfounded.” The statement emphasized that Türkiye has maintained “legitimate cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia in full accordance with international law, with the aim of strengthening Somalia’s security, stability and institutional capacity” for many years.

Focus on counterterrorism, not politics

Türkiye’s military presence and training activities in Somalia are directed toward restructuring the Somali National Army, modernizing security institutions, and improving counterterrorism capabilities, the statement added. It stressed that Turkish military personnel have “absolutely no involvement” in Somalia’s electoral processes or internal political dynamics. Ankara also reiterated its support for the peaceful continuation of Somalia’s democratic process and said it fully respects the country’s sovereignty and the will of the Somali people. Türkiye remains one of Somalia’s most prominent partners in the fight against terrorism and in rebuilding state institutions following decades of civil war.