Several African countries are showing interest in strengthening security cooperation with Turkey, following the ‘Somali model’ developed between Ankara and Mogadishu. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced this during the ongoing Efes military exercise in western Turkey, noting that Ankara continues to provide training and technical support to African armed forces to enhance their capabilities. He added that multiple countries have requested similar arrangements to the one implemented in Somalia, and these requests are under review.

Turkey’s partnership with Somalia began in 2011 as a humanitarian mission and has since evolved into a comprehensive security and economic alliance. Turkey operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and manages key infrastructure including hospitals, companies, the city’s port, and airport. The country has also invested heavily in protecting Somalia’s coastline and conducting offshore oil and gas exploration.

According to an internal source in Ankara, countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia may also seek Turkish security assistance in the near future.