Turkey presents itself as a “peace broker” in the Horn of Africa, but its hidden agenda is aimed at weakening Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Undermining Somaliland’s Statehood Diplomatically
Turkey consistently refuses to recognize Somaliland, instead positioning itself as a mediator between Mogadishu and Hargeisa ,a tactic meant to downgrade Somaliland’s legitimate independence into a “regional autonomy” issue.
Ankara openly supports Somalia’s federal government in international platforms, amplifying Somalia’s claim over Somaliland.
Military and Militia Support
Turkey provides direct training, weapons, and financial support to the Somali National Army (SNA), some of which reach clan militias hostile to Somaliland (especially in Sool, Sanaag, and Awdal).
The above photo are the militia leader of EAST SOOL and suldan Wabri of Borama with Turkish Ambasador of Villa-somalia
Turkey is accused of facilitating the reorganization of militias in East Sool and now quietly moving to mobilize armed groups in Sayla, aiming to create a multi-front security threat.
Strategic Interests in the Red Sea & Gulf of Aden
Turkey seeks military and naval access points across the Horn of Africa to project power in the Red Sea. Controlling Somali territory (and preventing Somaliland’s independence) ensures Ankara remains a key gatekeeper in this corridor.
The Enmity of China Toward Somaliland
China’s hostility is more global in nature, tied to its One-China Policy and rivalry with Taiwan.
Punishing Somaliland for Recognizing Taiwan
Somaliland’s establishment of diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2020 was seen as a direct challenge to Beijing. Since then, China has worked aggressively to isolate Somaliland diplomatically.
Beijing pressures African Union members and regional countries not to engage with Somaliland.
Economic Manipulation
China attempts to use its economic leverage to undermine Somaliland by offering aid and investment deals to Somalia, while deliberately excluding Somaliland.
It also funds propaganda campaigns through Somali media and influencers to discredit Somaliland’s partnership with Taiwan.
Strategic Rivalry in the Indian Ocean
Beijing sees Berbera Port and Somaliland’s Red Sea coastline as a strategic threat if aligned with Taiwan and Western partners.
To counter this, China invests heavily in Djibouti (its only overseas military base) and strengthens ties with Mogadishu, hoping to block Somaliland from gaining recognition.
Why Somaliland Must Remain Vigilant
Turkey uses religion, clan connections, and military aid to destabilize Somaliland from within.
China uses diplomacy, economy, and propaganda to isolate Somaliland externally.
Both share a common interest: preventing Somaliland from achieving full international recognition, because recognition would:
Reduce Somalia’s leverage (Turkey’s client state).
Strengthen Taiwan against China.
Empower Somaliland as a democratic, strategic ally of the West in the Horn of Africa.
The above photo are the militia leader of EAST SOOL and suldan Wabri of Borama with Turkish Ambasador of Villa-somalia
Recommendation:
Somaliland should strengthen intelligence operations, build stronger alliances with Ethiopia, Taiwan, Western democracies, and Gulf partners, and actively counter Turkish and Chinese propaganda through consistent press briefings, public diplomacy, and regional security coordination.
a comprehensive strategic table showing Somaliland’s enemies vs. potential allies, including Turkey, China, Ethiopia, UAE, and the West. This gives a complete snapshot for policy and security discussions:
Somaliland Strategic Landscape: Enemies vs. Allies
| Actor | Position Toward Somaliland | Main Motives / Interests | Methods / Tools Used | Impact on Somaliland |
| Turkey (Enemy) | Hostile – opposes statehood, backs Mogadishu. | Expand influence in Red Sea; block UAE; use Somalia as client state. | – Arms & trains Somali army.- Mobilizes militias (East Sool, Sayla).- Political cover for Mogadishu. | Destabilization, militia threats, diplomatic pressure. |
| China (Enemy) | Hostile – punishes Somaliland for Taiwan ties. | Protect “One-China Policy”; block Taiwan’s diplomacy; control Red Sea trade routes. | – Diplomatic lobbying in AU, UN.- Economic pressure (aid to Somalia only).- Propaganda campaigns. | Isolation from global forums, economic marginalization. |
| Ethiopia (Potential Ally) | Supportive – signed MoU with Somaliland. | Secure Red Sea access; reduce dependence on Djibouti; counter Egypt & Somalia. | – MoU for port access in Berbera.- Intelligence/security cooperation.- Diplomatic signaling of recognition. | Strengthens Somaliland’s sovereignty, potential recognition breakthrough. |
| UAE (Ally) | Strong partner – invests in Berbera. | Expand DP World operations; secure trade routes; counter Turkey & Qatar. | – Berbera port & corridor investment.- Security cooperation (anti-terror, coastguard).- Economic aid and trade. | Boosts Somaliland economy, increases international legitimacy. |
| The West (US, UK, EU) (Mixed Ally) | Sympathetic but cautious – unofficial engagement, no recognition yet. | Stability in the Horn; counter China & terror; protect maritime routes. | – Security cooperation (anti-piracy, counterterrorism).- Development aid.- Political engagement (quiet diplomacy). | International visibility, but recognition remains stalled. |
Key Takeaways
Turkey & China → main enemies, using military + diplomatic pressure to dismantle Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Ethiopia & UAE → strongest allies, with real strategic and economic stakes in Somaliland’s survival.
The West → cautious but important, offering security support and soft power, though not yet formal recognition.
Strategic Recommendation: Somaliland must cement ties with Ethiopia & UAE (hard security and economic support), while increasing lobbying in Washington, London, and Brussels to counter Turkey-China propaganda and push toward formal recognition.
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a senior consultant. He has also studied international diplomacy and is a political analyst and writer known for his detailed commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published Araweelo News Network numerous articles analysing current policies in the region and is a strong supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. He can be reached at:tra50526@gmail.com
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
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