Somalia’s President dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur amid U.S. pressure over Nur’s ties with Turkey. His removal is linked to concerns about U.S. military cooperation against al-Shabab slowing down. Turkey’s defence agreements with Somalia, particularly the naval cooperation and drone deployment, intensified U.S. concerns, resulting in U.S. funding cuts to Somali forces. Nevertheless, Turkish officials affirm that bilateral relations will persist despite this political change.
On Sunday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, following lobbying from the United States military. Nur will now oversee the country’s ports, amid indications that U.S. military support for Somalia’s efforts against al-Shabab has waned. Nur’s deepening ties with Turkey reportedly disturbed Washington, as it seeks closer cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in the Horn of Africa.
Under Nur’s stewardship, Somalia and Turkey entered a comprehensive naval, trade, and defense agreement in February 2022. While details of the agreement remain partly undisclosed, it allegedly involves Turkey safeguarding Somali waters, forming a Somali navy, and assisting with energy exploration in the wake of Ethiopia’s naval contracts with Somaliland.
A Somali official revealed that U.S. military officers voiced concerns regarding Nur’s coordination with American forces, leading to multiple requests for his dismissal. There was also a demand for access to the February agreement between Somalia and Turkey, intensifying U.S. lobbying.
Washington’s apprehensions were heightened by Turkey’s plans for a spaceport in Somalia, potentially posing risks of long-range missile testing. The situation escalated further with Turkey deploying armed drones to combat al-Shabab, which U.S. sources termed a decisive event.
Following a U.S. embassy warning regarding potential al-Shabab attacks, air traffic was disrupted for airlines including Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Additionally, U.S. funding was cut for Somalia’s elite Danab Special Forces, with the Somali Finance Minister addressing the need for alternative salary resources.
Observations on Turkey-Somalia relations suggest that Nur’s dismissal will not impact the partnership significantly, as a Turkish official emphasized the institutional nature of their collaboration. Analysts, such as Tunc Demirtas from the SETA think tank, believe that efforts will concentrate on strengthening institutional frameworks without being tied to individual leaders.
The dismissal of Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur by Somalia’s President followed pressure from the U.S. military amidst concerns over his ties with Turkey. This incident reflects the delicate balance of international interests in the Horn of Africa, particularly with regard to U.S. security collaborations against terrorism. Nevertheless, Turkish officials have indicated that relations between Turkey and Somalia will remain unaffected, focusing on broader institutional cooperation rather than individual connections.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
