On March 6, Turkey formally transferred control of the Turksom military training facility in Mogadishu to the Somali government, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the handover of the camp—named Turksom—which was originally built by Turkey to train and bolster the Somali National Army in its fight against the militant group Al-Shabab.
This transfer was not an end but a culmination of a decade of deepening ties.
The foundation was laid in 2011, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a historic visit to Somalia, becoming the first non-African leader to do so in nearly 20 years. That visit drew global attention to Somalia’s famine and opened the door for extensive Turkish involvement.
Beyond military cooperation under the Turksom framework, Turkey has become one of Somalia’s most prominent partners in reconstruction. Turkish agencies have built schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure in Mogadishu, including the city’s airport and seaport.
Turkey has also provided thousands of scholarships for Somali students to study in Turkey, while Turkish health workers and humanitarian aid remain a constant presence.
The handover of the Turksom base symbolized Ankara’s commitment to helping Somalia achieve self-sufficiency in security.
While Turkey maintained its broader support and advisory role, the event underscored growing confidence in the Somali military’s ability to take greater responsibility for national defense, with Turkey continuing to serve as a key strategic ally in the Horn of Africa.
