“Somalia is simultaneously combating globally connected terrorist organizations such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS, as well as piracy targeting global trade routes. TURKSOM’s support for the Somali Armed Forces serves as an important security guarantee for the region.”

“The Gorgor Battalions, whose basic equipment is supplied by our country, are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism, achieving great success in the battle against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab terrorist organization and significantly contributing to national security. TURKSOM has played a crucial role in the Somali federal government’s recent successes in counterterrorism efforts.”

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktaş

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktaş, stated that the officers and non-commissioned officers who undergo comprehensive training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base form the backbone of the leadership cadre of the Somali Armed Forces. He emphasized, “TURKSOM has played a crucial role in the Somali federal government’s recent successes in counterterrorism efforts.”

Speaking to an AA correspondent, Ambassador Aktaş explained that the TURKSOM Military Training Base, which has been operational in Somalia since 2017, was established to contribute to the restructuring of the Somali Armed Forces by supporting military training, improving military infrastructure and logistics systems, and providing assistance and support for education.

Highlighting that TURKSOM was launched to help form an armed force under the Somali federal government capable of ensuring security across the country after the civil war, Aktaş said, “Through its military training programs and ongoing equipment support, TURKSOM has significantly contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of the Somali Armed Forces nationwide.”

Aktaş elaborated that the Military School Command established within TURKSOM trains both officers and non-commissioned officers. “Officer cadets undergo three years of education, while non-commissioned officer cadets receive training for two years. Since 2024, the Military Academy has been granted university status, and graduates now receive a bachelor’s degree in defense studies. This development has increased Somali interest in the academy.”

The ambassador noted that graduates of the Military Academy have the opportunity to continue their training in Türkiye, where they receive comprehensive education before serving in their country’s army, navy, and air force. He emphasized that they form the backbone of the Somali Armed Forces’ leadership cadre.

“Officers and NCOs Trained in Türkiye Fill Critical Leadership Gaps in Somalia”

Aktaş mentioned that the Unit Training Command within TURKSOM also provides training for enlisted personnel. He explained that personnel who complete a one-month basic training at TURKSOM are then sent to Türkiye for an additional three-month commando training.

He stated that the trained soldiers and non-commissioned officers form the elite Gorgor Battalions of the Somali Armed Forces.

“The Gorgor Battalions, whose basic equipment is supplied by our country, are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism, achieving great success in the battle against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab terrorist organization and significantly contributing to national security. TURKSOM has played a crucial role in the Somali federal government’s recent successes in counterterrorism efforts.”

Ambassador Aktaş shared that TURKSOM has trained 10 Gorgor (Eagle) Battalions, 457 officers, and 422 non-commissioned officers for the Somali Armed Forces so far, with training continuing for an additional 10 Gorgor Battalions, 284 officers, and 60 non-commissioned officers.

He emphasized that officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers trained and equipped by TURKSOM to world-class standards hold a distinguished position in the Somali Armed Forces due to their qualifications and responsibilities. He also pointed out that officers and non-commissioned officers trained in Türkiye help fill significant leadership gaps in Somalia.

“TURKSOM’s Support for the Somali Armed Forces is an Important Security Guarantee for the Region”

Ambassador Aktaş stressed that Somalia’s strategic location along key global trade routes makes its security inseparable from regional stability, making TURKSOM’s presence even more critical.

“Somalia is simultaneously combating globally connected terrorist organizations such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS, as well as piracy targeting global trade routes. TURKSOM’s support for the Somali Armed Forces serves as an important security guarantee for the region.”

Expressing his satisfaction with the strengthening of Türkiye-Somalia relations in all fields since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit in 2011, Aktaş stated:

“We strive to reinforce the momentum in our relations through high-level mutual visits. Most recently, in October 2024, our Minister of Energy and Natural Resources visited Somalia for an event marking the arrival of the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel in Mogadishu. Furthermore, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Türkiye in December.”

“We Will Continue to Support Somalia’s Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty”

Ambassador Aktaş emphasized that high-level visits help monitor and deepen bilateral relations.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening relations with Somalia based on mutual trust, interests, and brotherhood, Aktaş said:

“We place great importance on the development of economic relations between our two countries. Many of our companies and businesspeople continue to invest in Somalia’s future. Our bilateral trade volume is increasing daily. In fact, reflecting the progress in our economic ties, a commercial attaché was recently appointed to our embassy. However, I believe our economic relations are still below their true potential.”

Aktaş pointed out that Türkiye’s hydrocarbon exploration activities off the Somali coast represent a significant opportunity:

“The discoveries made by the Oruç Reis research vessel will contribute to Somalia’s economic development while also creating new job opportunities and cooperation avenues between our two countries.”

Highlighting that development projects are central to Türkiye’s approach to Somalia, Aktaş said:

“Through institutions such as TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency), the Turkish Red Crescent, the Diyanet Foundation, and various NGOs, we have provided over $1 billion in development and humanitarian aid to Somalia. These efforts are deeply appreciated by our Somali brothers and strengthen the love and goodwill towards our country.”

Ambassador Aktaş noted that the positive progress in all aspects of Türkiye-Somalia relations stems from the strong bond between the two peoples:

“We are pleased to see the deepening human ties between our nations. Many Somali students continue their education in Türkiye through Türkiye Scholarships, while Turkish Maarif Foundation schools and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center are highly popular in Somalia. These initiatives strengthen the cultural ties between our people and lay a solid foundation for future cooperation. We will continue to work towards further strengthening these bonds.”