Mogadishu, SOMALIA- The Cabinet of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia and its Parliament have today endorsed a significant agreement with Türkiye, focusing on defense and economic cooperation. This agreement, characterized by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre as a historic milestone for Somalia, has been marred by controversy regarding its approval process and the opacity surrounding its provisions. The rapid parliamentary approval, occurring almost simultaneously with the Cabinet’s endorsement, has sparked debate and concern among lawmakers and the public alike.
The expedited approval of the agreement by the Somali Federal Parliament, as highlighted by MP Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu on X (formerly Twitter), contradicts parliamentary procedures. Moalimuu’s statement reveals a critical lapse in due diligence: “It is indeed very unfortunate that Somali Federal Parliament approves a Defense & Economic pact between #Somalia and Türkiye without even reading the pact & obtaining the original copy. Today’s endorsement, which was not done in the right channel, is against the bylaws of both houses of our Parliament.”
This deviation from established legislative processes has raised alarms about the transparency and democratic integrity of such a significant agreement. According to Moalimuu, national laws require the distribution of international and bilateral agreements to MPs beforehand, enabling them to thoroughly deliberate, understand, and democratically vote on the contents. The failure to distribute written documents related to the agreement undermines the procedural and democratic foundation of Somalia’s governance.
Economic and Naval Aspects Shrouded in Mystery
The economic component of the agreement, particularly regarding the allocation of profits from Somalia’s Blue Economy, remains ambiguous. Unsubstantiated reports suggest that Türkiye is to receive 30% of Somalia’s Blue Economy profits for ten years. The lack of clarity and the absence of official documentation make it difficult to assess the implications of this aspect of the agreement. The absence of transparency raises significant questions about the equitable distribution of benefits and the long-term impact on Somalia’s economic sovereignty.
Implications for Somali-Turkish Relations and Regional Stability
The controversies surrounding the approval process and the opaque nature of the agreement’s provisions have broader implications for Somalia’s internal governance, its relations with Türkiye, and regional stability. The lack of transparency and procedural adherence risks undermining public trust in governmental processes and the legitimacy of international agreements. Furthermore, the potential economic and defense commitments entailed by the agreement necessitate a thorough public and parliamentary scrutiny to ensure that they align with Somalia’s national interests and contribute to sustainable development and security.
The strategic importance of Somalia’s maritime territory in the Horn of Africa makes the implications of this agreement particularly significant. The region’s complex geopolitical dynamics and the critical role of maritime security in economic development underscore the need for clarity, transparency, and due diligence in international agreements of this nature.
The Somalia-Türkiye defense and economic cooperation agreement represents a potentially transformative partnership for Somalia. However, the controversies surrounding its approval and the lack of transparency regarding its provisions demand immediate attention. It is essential to subject such agreements to rigorous scrutiny, ensure they adhere to established procedures, and communicate them transparently to the public and lawmakers to maintain the integrity of Somalia’s democratic institutions and secure the nation’s long-term interests.
