Turkey is set to start exploration work in a disputed Somali territory. Turkish exploration ship Oruc Reis arrived at Mogadishu port this week. It is going to conduct seismic surveys in 5 blocks on Somali shore. Exploration in one of these blocks could spark regional tensions.
Turkey and Somalia earlier this year signed an exploration deal which has not been made public. The two countries signed a defense treaty too. Both the agreements were signed to thwart an MoU signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland. Ethiopia wants to gain access to sea in return for recognizing Somaliland as a country.
Oruc Reis, escorted by Turkish warships, was welcomed in Mogadishu by Hassan Sheikh, the President of Somalia. Addressing a welcoming ceremony at the Mogadishu port, the President of Somalia said that no one can stop Somalia from exploring for oil and gas in its territories.
During the welcoming ceremony at the Mogadishu port, a map was displayed showing the five block on Somali coast where Oruc Reis will conduct seismic surveys. One of the blocks is situated very close to Berbera port of Somaliland. Somaliland has been opposing Turkey-Somalia agreements. Somaliland is internationally recognized part of Somalia, but it has been struggling to gain international recognition as a country. Its MoU with Ethiopia is aimed at getting recognition as a country.
Turkey, on the one hand, is mediating between Ethiopia and Somalia. Foreign Ministers of the two countries have met twice in Ankara with no progress made to solve the issue. On the other hand, Turkey is set to start exploration work in Somaliland’s territorial waters.
United Arab Emirates owns 50% shares in Somaliland’s Berbera port. It remains to be seen how Somaliland would stop Turkey from exploring for oil and gas near Berbera port. Will Ethiopia and UAE, Somaliland’s allies, support Somaliland against Turkey?
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