Turkish Intelligence Delegation Set for Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – A more senior delegation from Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) is expected to arrive in Mogadishu, according to sources familiar with the matter. The visit, led by the deputy head of Turkey’s intelligence agency, forms part of Ankara’s continued engagement with Somalia’s political and security landscape amid ongoing tensions.

The trip is tied to Turkish efforts to support dialogue and build political understanding between Somalia’s Federal Government and opposition groups, sources said. During the visit, the delegation is expected to meet senior federal officials and other key stakeholders, with talks likely to focus on expanding bilateral ties, deepening security cooperation, and promoting political solutions through dialogue and consensus.

Turkey’s attempts to mediate between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups have faced recent setbacks, linked to technical disagreements and growing international pressure, threatening to derail Ankara’s bid to resolve the country’s escalating political crisis.

Turkey’s Expanding Mediation Role

Turkey has become one of Somalia’s closest international partners over the past decade, contributing significantly to security sector reform, military training, infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, and public service delivery. The visit takes place as Somalia faces a delicate political climate, with growing calls from different actors for wider consultations and consensus on major national issues.

Turkey has increased its diplomatic efforts to alleviate Somalia’s growing political tensions, with a Turkish delegation conducting separate meetings in Mogadishu with federal government officials and opposition leaders following recent clashes in the capital. The delegation, reported to consist of diplomats and security officials, forms part of Ankara’s initiatives to foster dialogue between parties embroiled in disagreements about electoral arrangements, constitutional reforms, and the nation’s political trajectory.

The visit follows unconfirmed reports that the Head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) arrived in Mogadishu. While those reports remain unverified, diplomatic sources have indicated that MIT personnel have participated in the talks, though neither the Turkish government nor Somali officials have publicly verified the delegation’s composition or the specifics of the meetings.

Opposition’s Careful Stance Toward Turkey

Opposition leaders have been careful not to alienate Turkey, which remains one of Somalia’s most influential international partners. According to sources, the Turkish ambassador has met and continues to meet with opposition leaders. Members of the opposition have reportedly asked Turkey to remain neutral in the conflict and to stay on an apolitical track when it comes to Somalia. This cautious approach reflects the recognition within opposition circles that Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia’s infrastructure, humanitarian aid, state-building programs, and security sector training over the past decade.

The Political Context

The mediation efforts follow armed confrontations between government forces and combatants linked to opposition figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, which heightened concerns about a potential wider political crisis in Mogadishu. The severe political crisis escalated after hours of heavy fighting around the Mogadishu residences of the two opposition leaders, sparking fears of wider conflict.

Turkey has stepped into a mediation role in Somalia’s political crisis, with preliminary meetings expected to discuss the country’s political disputes. The reported MIT visit signals that Ankara is bypassing formal diplomatic channels in favor of direct, discreet engagement with political and military actors.

Challenges Facing Turkish Mediation

Disputes over which political actors should be officially recognized as part of the opposition have complicated preparations for the next round of talks. The sources said Turkish mediators had suggested giving seats on the technical committees to figures aligned with former president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, a proposal rejected by the opposition’s Future Council.

International partners under the C6+ framework have reportedly intensified pressure on the Turkish-led initiative, warning that mediation by a single actor would be unacceptable. The Federal Government of Somalia has previously called for the dissolution of the C6+ group, arguing that its continued existence gives a “misleading impression” that Somalia remains under externally driven political oversight.