MOGADISHU, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has staunchly defended a recent oil exploration agreement with Turkey, asserting that the deal represents a significant step forward for Somalia’s economic development, despite mounting criticism over its terms and transparency.
The agreement, signed in March 2024, grants Turkey extensive rights to explore and extract oil and gas in Somalia’s onshore and offshore territories.
According to documents submitted to the Turkish Parliament, Turkey is entitled to recover up to 90 percent of the petroleum it produces annually as “cost petroleum,” a mechanism that allows the operator to recover exploration and production expenses before profits are shared.
Somalia’s share is limited to a 5 percent royalty—raising concerns among opposition figures and civil society groups over the equitable distribution of national resources.
In a televised address, President Mohamud emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement, stating:
“This agreement represents shared interests and is a significant step for the country, as it marks the first time in history that Somalia is conducting oil exploration.”
He highlighted Turkey’s longstanding support for Somalia, including infrastructure projects and military training, as the basis for deepening strategic ties.
Critics argue the deal was concluded without adequate parliamentary consultation and lacks transparency.
The parliamentary Natural Resources Committee condemned the agreement for bypassing required approvals and accused the former petroleum minister of violating legal and constitutional procedures.
The controversy comes amid heightened insecurity in Somalia, with al-Shabaab militants regaining control of key towns and launching fresh attacks.
Analysts warn that opaque decision-making around such high-stakes deals could exacerbate political divisions and undermine efforts to stabilize the country.
Turkey’s engagement in Somalia extends beyond oil. The two nations have signed wide-ranging defense and economic cooperation agreements. Turkey operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and has been training Somali naval forces to boost maritime security in the Horn of Africa.
However, the deal has sparked mounting criticism and public debate, with many urging the government to disclose its full terms to ensure Somalia’s natural resources benefit the broader population—rather than a select elite or foreign powers.
