OPINION: FETÖ’s Shadow War on Somalia: How a Terror Network Empowers al-Shabaab Through Revenge, Misinformation, and Destabilization

The strategic partnership and deep-rooted historical ties between Turkey and Somalia have recently faced serious threats from coordinated misinformation campaigns led by the Gülenist Terror Organization (FETÖ) and supported by certain separatist factions within Somalia. These coordinated efforts aim to undermine bilateral relations, notably illustrated by the recent energy exploration agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia.

FETÖ is a clandestine, armed terror organization that attempted a bloody coup in Turkey on July 15, 2016. During the attempted coup, FETÖ-affiliated military officers bombed the Turkish Parliament, opened fire on civilians, and caused the deaths of more than 250 innocent people while injuring thousands more. Their goal was to overthrow Turkey’s democratically elected government and replace it with a shadowy network loyal to exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen. The Turkish people, in an unprecedented act of collective resistance, poured into the streets to stop the coup. One of the earliest and strongest acts of international solidarity came from Somalia.

Even before the coup attempt had failed, the Somali people flooded into the streets of Mogadishu in support of President Erdoğan and the Turkish government. On the very night of the coup, then-President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that all FETÖ-affiliated institutions—mainly operating under the guise of schools and aid organizations—would be shut down and expelled from the country. This swift and decisive move made Somalia one of the first nations to take a clear and public stance against the coup plotters. That gesture of brotherhood and clarity did not go unnoticed—and neither was it forgiven by FETÖ.

Since then, FETÖ has made it a mission to retaliate against Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Somalia’s pro-Turkey political leadership. Their strategy involves coordinated media attacks and intelligence-backed smear campaigns aimed at fracturing Turkish-Somali relations, particularly during high-stakes diplomatic developments. The most recent example of this came during the announcement of the Turkey-Somalia energy exploration and production agreement in early 2025.

Instead of the news being first shared through official diplomatic channels or Somali media outlets, the agreement was leaked to the international press via Nordic Monitor—a FETÖ-affiliated English-language propaganda site based in Europe. Their article deliberately misrepresented the details of the agreement, claiming that Turkey would take 90% of Somalia’s oil revenues, leaving only 10% to the Somali government. This was a gross distortion of the widely accepted “cost recovery” mechanism in petroleum contracts, where an investor is temporarily allowed to recover operational and exploration expenses before revenue sharing is adjusted. Yet, this misinformation was spread rapidly and weaponized by hostile voices.

These fabricated narratives were quickly exploited and amplified by separatist factions within Somalia, particularly elements aligned with the Somaliland administration and other foreign-aligned political actors. Their goal was not only to smear Turkey, but to destabilize the federal government in Mogadishu and foster internal distrust. The fabricated 90/10 split figure was widely circulated on Somali social media, often alongside nationalist or secessionist rhetoric aimed at eroding public confidence in the central government.

Such misinformation campaigns have significant consequences. They threaten to derail the progress made in Turkish-Somali relations, damage the perception of Turkey’s ongoing humanitarian and development initiatives, and disrupt Somalia’s pathway to self-reliance. This false portrayal undermines trust, impeding crucial projects and cooperation efforts essential to Somalia’s security, stability, and socio-economic growth. It also diverts attention away from the real culprits of past exploitation in the region—former colonial powers and foreign companies who promised investment but delivered nothing.

To effectively counteract these campaigns, Somali and Turkish authorities must adopt a proactive strategic communication strategy. This includes holding joint press conferences, publishing public summaries of agreements, and correcting falsehoods through local and international media. Authorities should clearly explain the details of the “cost recovery” process, emphasizing that Turkey’s share from oil revenues is strictly temporary, serving only to recover substantial initial investments and operational costs. After these costs are recouped, Somalia will maintain full ownership of its resources, and revenue-sharing will shift heavily in favor of the Somali state.

Those spreading these false narratives ultimately serve the interests of external powers. They understand that if Somalia successfully exploits its own natural resources and finances its politics through internal revenue, the influence of foreign actors—particularly some smaller Arab states that have long meddled in Somalia’s internal affairs—would significantly diminish. These actors prefer Somalia to remain dependent on external donations and rentier politics. A self-reliant Somalia, partnered with Turkey, poses a strategic threat to their control.

Moreover, FETÖ and its allies are acutely aware of how deeply the Somali people respect and admire President Erdoğan and the Turkish nation. Turkish support during Somalia’s darkest hours—through the building of hospitals, schools, roads, airports, military facilities, and port development—has made a lasting impact on public opinion. Somali youth wear Turkish flags on their clothing. Many name their children “Recep” or “Erdogan”. The Somali people see Turkey not as an occupier, but as a brotherly nation that stood with them when others abandoned them.

This is precisely why FETÖ and its local partners are now resorting to dangerous tactics such as inflaming separatist sentiments and leaking old, out-of-context photos or videos of Somali leaders with Turkish officials. These smear campaigns are calculated to undermine Somali unity and sever the country’s strongest international alliance. But Somalia’s sovereignty is strengthened—not weakened—by its relationship with Turkey.

Disturbingly, FETÖ’s activities—particularly their campaigns of misinformation and destabilization—ultimately benefit another violent actor in Somalia: the al-Shabaab terrorist organization. By targeting Somali-Turkish cooperation, FETÖ helps weaken the legitimacy of the Somali government, undermines national cohesion, and fosters a climate of distrust—conditions from which al-Shabaab thrives. The deliberate spread of disinformation during events like the Ankara Process and even during the tragic car accident involving the son of President Erdoğan in Istanbul—where false narratives were weaponized to inflame anti-Turkey sentiment in Somali discourse—raise important questions: Could there be an indirect or even direct alignment of interests between FETÖ and al-Shabaab? Are their parallel efforts to destabilize Somalia and sabotage Somali-Turkish relations coincidental—or coordinated?

These are questions that must be asked, especially given the recurring pattern of disinformation, incitement, and coordinated media campaigns aimed at damaging the credibility of both Turkish and Somali leadership. Investigating these connections is crucial to safeguarding regional stability and countering the spread of extremist influence.

It is therefore critical to publicly expose the manipulative actions of FETÖ and separatist groups, highlighting how these misinformation tactics directly harm Somali interests by creating unnecessary tensions and undermining valuable partnerships. Strengthening public awareness about the genuine objectives and mutual benefits of Turkey-Somalia cooperation will reinforce trust and mutual respect.

Decisively addressing the disruptive influence of FETÖ and Somali separatists—through diplomatic coordination, media literacy campaigns, intelligence-sharing, and clear public messaging—is essential. Protecting the integrity of the bilateral relationship between Turkey and Somalia will secure continued progress and sustainable development, benefiting both nations and preserving their historic bonds of solidarity and partnership.

By Cabdiraxmaan Warsame Aarsade