Banadir Regional Administration Governor and Mogadishu Mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab) is reportedly organizing a demonstration in Mogadishu in support of Türkiye, amid growing debate over Ankara’s role in Somalia.

According to reports from the capital, the planned rally is intended to showcase public support for the long-standing relationship between Somalia and Türkiye.

Participants are expected to carry the flags of both countries and express backing for the strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Ankara.

The planned demonstration comes just days after anti-Türkiye protests were held in parts of Jubaland, particularly in Kismayo, where demonstrators voiced opposition to what they described as foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.

Those protests followed allegations surrounding the controversial incident in Doolow, which has fueled political tensions and public debate.

Supporters of the Mogadishu rally argue that Türkiye remains one of Somalia’s closest international partners, providing assistance in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, humanitarian relief, and economic development.

Organizers are expected to use the event to highlight Ankara’s contributions to Somalia over the past fifteen years.

Muungaab has maintained visible ties with Turkish officials. In January 2026, he met Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, to discuss strengthening cooperation between the Banadir administration and Türkiye.

During the meeting, the ambassador reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to supporting Mogadishu’s development and public services.

Türkiye’s influence in Somalia has continued to expand in 2026. In July, the Turkish Parliament approved a two-year extension of the deployment of Turkish forces in Somalia, allowing their presence to continue until July 2028.

Ankara has said the mission is aimed at supporting efforts against terrorism, piracy, and other security threats.

Türkiye has also played a role in Somalia’s political affairs. Reports published in June indicated that a senior Turkish delegation visited Mogadishu as part of efforts to help ease tensions between the Federal Government and opposition political figures.

The planned rally in Mogadishu therefore comes at a time when Türkiye’s role in Somalia is drawing both support and criticism.

While many Somalis view Ankara as a key ally that has contributed significantly to the country’s reconstruction and security sectors, others have expressed concerns about the growing involvement of foreign actors in Somalia’s domestic political disputes.

If the demonstration proceeds as planned, it is expected to attract significant attention nationwide, particularly as discussions continue over Türkiye’s expanding political, military, and economic influence in Somalia.

The close relationship between Muungaab and Turkish officials is well documented, with both sides having engaged throughout the year on projects aimed at developing Mogadishu and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye.