By Goth Mohamed Goth

The UAE and Turkey represent diametrically opposed forces in Somaliland, with one empowering its aspirations and the other undermining its sovereignty. Here’s a distilled breakdown of their roles:

  1. UAE: A Partner for Progress
  • Strategic Investments: The UAE has transformed Somaliland’s economic landscape through flagship projects like the $442 million expansion of Berbera Port (via DP World) and the Berbera Corridor Road, positioning Somaliland as a regional trade hub.

  • Global Legitimacy: While avoiding formal recognition, the UAE has amplified Somaliland’s voice on the world stage. President Muse Bihi Abdi’s televised participation in the 2023 World Government Summit in Dubai exemplifies this soft-power boost.

  • Security Cooperation: The UAE has modernized Berbera’s naval infrastructure and trained Somaliland’s forces to secure critical maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

 

  1. Turkey: Hostility in Disguise
  • Undermining Sovereignty: Turkey’s 2024 Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement with Somalia granted Ankara control over 30% of Somali maritime resources, explicitly treating Somaliland’s waters as Somali territory. This invalidated Somaliland’s Ethiopia port deal.

  • Military Entrenchment: Turkey operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, trains Somali troops, and controls Mogadishu’s port and airport—tools used to reinforce Somalia’s claim over Somaliland.

  • Diplomatic Sabotage: While posing as a mediator in Somalia-Somaliland talks, Turkey has weaponized Somali opposition to UAE projects in Somaliland and spread anti-UAE narratives locally.

  1. Regional Rivalry, Global Implications

  • UAE’s Pragmatism Abu Dhabi views Somaliland as a stable counterweight to Turkish-Qatari influence in Somalia. Its investments secure trade routes while curbing Ankara’s regional dominance.

  • Turkey’s Ambitions: President Erdoğan’s neo-Ottoman agenda drives Ankara’s militarized outreach in Africa, often clashing with UAE-backed initiatives. Its alignment with Mogadishu prioritizes ideological goals over Somaliland’s stability.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Ally

The UAE and Turkey are not equivalent partners for Somaliland:

  • UAE offers tangible development, global visibility, and tacit support for self-determination.

  • Turkey denies Somaliland’s legitimacy, empowers its adversaries, and exploits regional instability.

For Somaliland, aligning with the UAE strengthens its path to recognition and prosperity. Turkey’s overt hostility, however, risks legitimizing Mogadishu’s outdated claims. As Somaliland navigates this geopolitical minefield, the choice is clear:

The UAE opens doors—Turkey slams them shut.  

 

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