MOGADISHU/BAIDOA (Kaab TV) – Turkey is facing growing accusations of involvement in the ongoing conflict between Somalia’s federal government and the South West State, a development that could potentially damage its long-standing image in Somalia.
Authorities in South West State said on Sunday that Somali forces trained by Turkey, along with armored vehicles donated for counterterrorism purposes, have reportedly been used in operations against communities in the region.
“It has also been reported that Turkish drones are providing support to Somali National Army forces advancing towards Baidoa, raising serious concerns about potential violence against the people of South West State,” a statement issued by the South West State presidency said.
The forces in question are the Gorgor and Haramcad units, trained by Turkey to counter Al-Shabaab militants. They were recently deployed to Buurhakaba and other towns in South West State as Mogadishu escalates its conflict with the regional authorities in Baidoa.
The regional administration acknowledged Turkey’s historical role as a close ally of Somalia but expressed concern over what it described as a shift in its engagement.
“The Government of Turkey has long been a valued friend of the Somali people. However, recent developments suggest a troubling involvement in the ongoing internal conflict in Somalia,” the statement added.
South West State authorities called on Turkey to refrain from allowing its military support, equipment, and aircraft to be used in operations that could harm civilians in the region.
The accusations come after Mogadishu deployed militia and federal forces to South West State amid a deepening dispute over elections in the region.
On Saturday, South West State held its local elections, citing its constitutional right to do so. However, the federal government rejected the process, declaring it illegitimate.
The conflict is widely viewed as a political dispute, but analysts warn it risks taking on a clan dimension. South West State is predominantly inhabited by the Rahanweyn (Digil-Mirifle) community, while the leadership of the federal government is largely associated with the Hawiye clan. The two groups have a history of rivalry, and experts caution that the tension could escalate into broader clan-based violence if not contained.
Turkey has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.