Turkish Army Chief’s Somalia Visit Highlights Deepening Defence Partnership

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The commander of the Turkish Land Forces, General Metin Tokel, arrived in Somalia on Friday for high-level talks expected to reinforce one of Mogadishu’s most important security partnerships as the country continues efforts to strengthen its military and confront persistent security threats.

General Tokel was welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by the commander of the Somali National Army’s Land Forces, General Sahal Cabdullaahi Cumar, in a ceremony that included military honours before the two sides began discussions on expanding defence cooperation.

Military officials said the visit is expected to focus on strengthening collaboration in military training, institutional development and the exchange of operational experience between the two armies.

The visit underscores Turkey’s growing role in Somalia’s security sector at a time when the Horn of Africa nation is seeking to build a more capable and self-reliant military. Over the past decade, Ankara has become one of Somalia’s closest defence partners, training thousands of Somali soldiers, supporting military institutions and providing equipment under a broad security cooperation framework.

For Somalia, the visit carries significance beyond military protocol. It signals the continuation of a long-term partnership that has become central to efforts to professionalise the Somali National Army as the country gradually assumes greater responsibility for its own security alongside support from international partners.

The engagement also comes as Somalia continues military operations against the Al-Shabaab insurgency while working to strengthen its defence institutions during the ongoing transition from the African Union-led stabilization mission to greater responsibility by Somali security forces.

Turkey has steadily expanded its footprint in Somalia through military training, infrastructure projects and broader economic cooperation, making the relationship one of Ankara’s most strategic partnerships in Africa. Analysts say regular high-level military exchanges such as this help maintain coordination between the two countries as Somalia continues reforms aimed at building a modern and effective national army.

General Tokel’s visit is expected to further deepen military cooperation and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to long-term collaboration on defence, training and capacity building.