Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has on Friday announced that several international companies including firms from the United States have expressed growing interest in exploring the country’s oil potential, beyond the Turkish companies currently conducting surveys.
Minister Dahir Shire reaffirmed that preliminary findings indicate the presence of oil in Somalia and said that interest from global energy companies has increased in recent months.
“There are big companies that want to explore for oil in our country. There is no doubt that our country has oil, and by the end of this year we will announce the results of the recent exploration survey conducted in our seas,” the minister said.
He also issued a stern warning against illegal mineral extraction in some regions, saying individuals and companies involved in unauthorized mining activities will face legal consequences.
“There are individuals and companies illegally exploiting minerals in parts of the country. I will take legal action against those involved,” he warned.
The minister’s remarks come as Somalis await the official results of offshore oil exploration currently being conducted by Turkish companies.