Somalia Dismisses Defense Minister Amid U.S. Pressure Over Turkey Relations
Somalia’s Defense Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur was dismissed by President Mohamud amid U.S. pressure linked to increasing ties with Turkey. His reassignment comes as U.S. military support decreases and tensions rise regarding military agreements with Turkey, particularly in relation to security cooperation against al-Shabab. While Turkey aims to sustain its relationship with Somalia, concerns regarding military operations persist.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed Defense Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, influenced by lobbying from the U.S. military, according to sources within the region. Nur’s reassignment to the ministry of ports comes in light of decreasing U.S. military support in Somalia’s efforts against al-Shabab, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by Washington.
Nur’s initiatives to enhance cooperation with Turkey in military, energy, and aerospace matters reportedly alarmed U.S. officials. Under his tenure, Somalia and Turkey established a comprehensive naval agreement last year, which allows Turkey to establish a Somali navy and oversee maritime security. Details of the agreement remain largely undisclosed, however, it addresses concerns stemming from Ethiopia’s maritime arrangements.
U.S. military officers expressed concerns about Nur’s collaboration with American forces, demanding his replacement. The pressure intensified around Nur’s agreement with Turkey and associated plans, especially regarding a proposed spaceport that could be misconstrued as a long-range missile test site.
A Somali official disclosed that U.S. authorities warned they would reassess security cooperation against al-Shabab if Nur was not removed. The situation escalated following Turkey’s recent drone deployments in Mogadishu, prompting further U.S. dissatisfaction. In response, the U.S. embassy issued security warnings about potential attacks by al-Shabab, affecting flight operations in the area.
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump had previously ordered air strikes on the Islamic State in Somalia and cut funding to Somali forces trained by the U.S. This reduction led the Somali Finance Minister to seek alternative funding sources to sustain military salaries.
Despite the leadership changes, a Turkish official reassured that Turkey’s relationship with Somalia is built on institutional partnerships, not personal affiliations. Experts indicate that Turkey’s support for Somalia is likely to continue in areas like counterterrorism, maintaining strategic cooperation despite recent turmoil.
In summary, the dismissal of Somalia’s Defense Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur reflects the U.S.’s influence over Somali military decisions amid concerns regarding ties with Turkey. As both nations navigate their relationship, it remains essential for Somalia to secure international support while fostering institutional cooperation that transcends individual actors, ensuring sustained efforts against threats such as al-Shabab.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
