Somalia has granted Turkey a license to explore and extract oil from its territorial waters, a move that has sparked mixed reactions across the Horn of Africa. The agreement, signed in late May 2024, marks a significant shift in regional geopolitics and raises concerns among local communities about environmental and economic consequences. The deal, brokered by the Somali Ministry of Petroleum, involves a 25-year exploration contract with Turkish energy firm TPAO, which will begin drilling in the Gulf of Aden by early 2025.
Oil Deal Sparks Regional Rivalry
The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from Iran, which has long supported Somalia’s political factions and has its own energy interests in the region. Iranian officials have warned that the deal undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and could destabilise the fragile security situation. “This is a dangerous precedent,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior Iranian advisor, in a public statement. “Somalia must not allow foreign powers to exploit its natural resources without transparency.”
Turkey’s involvement in Somalia has grown over the past decade, with Ankara providing military and economic support to the Somali government. The oil deal is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with a key partner in the Horn of Africa. However, some local analysts argue that the benefits to Somali citizens remain unclear. “We need to know how much revenue will go to the government and how it will be spent,” said Dr. Amina Abdi, an economist based in Mogadishu. “So far, there are no details on this.”
Impact on Daily Life and Local Economy
The oil exploration is expected to begin in the Gulf of Aden, a vital shipping route that connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. This has raised concerns among fishermen and coastal communities who rely on the sea for their livelihoods. “If drilling starts, it will destroy our fishing grounds,” said Yusuf Mohamed, a fisherman from the coastal town of Kismaayo. “We don’t know if the government has considered this.”
The local economy, already struggling after years of conflict and instability, could face new challenges. While the government claims the deal will bring investment and jobs, many fear it will deepen inequality. “The benefits of oil wealth often go to the elite,” said Fatima Hassan, a community leader in Hargeisa. “We need more transparency and accountability.”
Environmental groups have also raised alarms. The Gulf of Aden is home to diverse marine life, and any oil spill could have devastating effects. A 2023 report by the Somali Environmental Protection Agency warned that the region is not equipped to handle large-scale oil spills, citing a lack of infrastructure and trained personnel.
Community Response and Protests
Protests have already begun in several regions, with residents demanding more information about the deal. In the capital, Mogadishu, a group of activists staged a demonstration outside the Ministry of Petroleum, calling for a public hearing. “We are not against foreign investment, but we want to be part of the decision-making process,” said Hassan Jama, a protest organiser.
Local leaders have also expressed concerns about the lack of consultation. “This decision was made without engaging with the people who will be most affected,” said Mohamed Nur, a member of the Puntland Regional Government. “We need to ensure that the interests of our communities are protected.”
International Reactions and Regional Tensions
The deal has not only drawn criticism from Iran but also raised questions about the role of other regional powers. The United Nations has called for greater transparency, urging Somalia to ensure that the agreement aligns with international environmental and human rights standards. “It’s crucial that any resource extraction is done in a way that benefits all Somalis,” said UN representative Lise Grande.
Meanwhile, the African Union has urged Somalia to balance its energy needs with the protection of its natural resources. “We support Somalia’s right to develop its resources, but we also call for responsible governance,” said AU Commissioner Smail Chergui.
What to Watch Next
As the drilling preparations begin, the next few months will be critical. The Somali government has promised to hold public consultations and release more details about the deal by the end of July. However, many citizens remain skeptical. “We need to see concrete steps before we can trust this process,” said Dr. Amina Abdi.
International observers will also be watching closely, especially as tensions with Iran continue to rise. The coming weeks could determine whether the oil deal strengthens Somalia’s economy or deepens its political and environmental challenges. For now, the people of Somalia are waiting for clarity and accountability.
