The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Türkiye following a high-level meeting in Mogadishu between the mission’s leadership and the Turkish ambassador.

The AUSSOM Senior Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of Mission, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, received Türkiye’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, for a working visit in Mogadishu.

The meeting focused on the longstanding partnership between AUSSOM and Türkiye in supporting Somali-led efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability.

The two officials emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation at a critical stage in Somalia’s security transition. They also agreed to strengthen coordination and joint efforts aimed at supporting lasting peace and stability in the country.

The meeting comes as Somalia prepares for another important phase in the gradual transfer of security responsibilities from international forces to Somali security institutions.

AUSSOM’s current mandate is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026, increasing the importance of coordination between Somalia, the African Union and its international security partners.

Türkiye’s Expanding Security Role

Türkiye has become one of Somalia’s most important bilateral security partners over the past decade.

Ankara established the TURKSOM military training facility in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali soldiers have received training, including members of specialized units.

Türkiye has also provided military equipment and training to Somali forces, including the Gorgor commandos, while its broader defense relationship with Somalia has expanded into maritime security and the development of Somali naval capabilities.

The relationship is not limited to security. Türkiye has also become involved in Somalia’s infrastructure, economic development and humanitarian sectors, reflecting a partnership that has grown substantially since the establishment of formal defense cooperation between the two countries.

The expanding Turkish role comes at a time when Somalia is seeking to build stronger national security institutions capable of independently taking over responsibilities currently supported by international forces.

AUSSOM’s Changing Role

AUSSOM continues to provide support to Somali forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab, while also helping secure key locations and facilitate the gradual transition toward Somali-led security operations.

The mission faces significant financial and operational challenges, however, with international funding remaining critical to maintaining troops, bases, logistics and other capabilities.

The planned reduction and eventual withdrawal of African Union forces means that Somalia’s security institutions will increasingly be expected to fill the gaps left by international deployments.

This makes coordination with countries such as Türkiye particularly important. Unlike AUSSOM, which operates under an African Union mandate, Türkiye maintains a bilateral security relationship with Somalia.

The two forms of international engagement can complement each other, but they also require careful coordination to ensure that different military partnerships work toward a common national security strategy.

The latest meeting between Ambassador Diene and Ambassador Aktaş therefore carries significance beyond diplomatic engagement.

It highlights the growing need for international partners to coordinate their support as Somalia approaches a potentially decisive stage in its security transition.

For Mogadishu, the challenge will be to ensure that international military assistance contributes to building capable and sustainable Somali institutions rather than creating long-term dependence on foreign partners.

A successful transition will ultimately depend on whether Somali forces can assume greater responsibility for securing the country while international partners provide coordinated training, equipment, funding and technical assistance.

The AUSSOM-Türkiye discussions underline the continued importance of international cooperation, but they also come at a time when Somalia must increasingly take ownership of its security future and ensure that external partnerships remain aligned with its long-term national interests.