Somalia’s President dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur following U.S. pressure linked to his ties with Turkey. Nur was reassigned to the Ministry of Ports, amid concerns over slowing U.S. military support against al-Shabab. Turkey’s involvement in Somalia, particularly through a defense agreement and drone deployment, has intensified U.S. scrutiny and strategic tensions in the region.
On a recent Sunday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur amidst lobbying from the United States military. After his removal, Nur was reassigned as the Minister of Ports. This change follows a perceived slowdown in U.S. military support for Somalia’s fight against the al-Shabab group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Washington.
During Nur’s tenure, Somalia and Turkey established a comprehensive naval, trade, and defense agreement in February of the previous year. Although specific details of this agreement remain undisclosed, sources suggest it empowers Turkey to protect Somali waters, assist in establishing a Somali navy, and help in energy resource exploration, countering Ethiopia’s naval deal with Somaliland.
Nur’s strong relationships with Turkish leadership, bolstered by his studies at Ankara University and fluency in Turkish, concerned U.S. officials who have emphasized closer ties with the United Arab Emirates in the region. A Somali official indicated that U.S. military personnel had persistently pressured President Mohamud to remove Nur, citing coordination issues with American forces and seeking access to the February agreement.
In addition, U.S. discontent arose over Turkey’s intentions to create a spaceport in Somalia that might be interpreted as facilitating long-range missile tests. The situation escalated following Turkey’s deployment of two Bayraktar Akinci armed drones in Mogadishu, which the U.S. viewed as a provocation. One source remarked that the U.S. made it clear that Nur’s removal was pivotal for continued security cooperation against al-Shabab.
The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu issued a security alert regarding potential al-Shabab attacks earlier in the month, affecting flights from Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Furthermore, funding to the elite Danab Special Forces unit was reduced, prompting Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh to inform parliament of the need to source alternative funds for personnel salaries.
Despite these developments, a Turkish official reassured that Nur’s dismissal would not undermine Ankara-Mogadishu relations, asserting that Turkey’s cooperation with Somalia is grounded in institutional agreements rather than individual connections. They underscored Turkey’s significant infrastructural contributions to Somalia and the ongoing commitment to support counterterrorism initiatives. Tunc Demirtas, a regional expert, expressed confidence that institutional cooperation would prevail over individual dynamics.
The dismissal of Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur as Somalia’s Defence Minister highlights the complexities of international relations involving military cooperation and national interests. U.S. pressure due to concerns over Turkish ties and military actions reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa. Importantly, both Somalia and Turkey aim to maintain their strategic partnership, focusing on institutional collaboration rather than individual personnel, ensuring continued efforts against terrorism and mutual economic growth.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
