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"Proxy Power Plays: How Turkish and Emirati Private Military Deployments Signal a New Era of Militarized Influence in Somalia"

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Somalia long a battleground for internal stability, is increasingly becoming a geopolitical chessboard for external powers. The recent arrival of Turkish-deployed private military personnel  in the south and UAE affliated security contractors in the northeast—marks a dangerous escalation in the militarization of Somali soil. These developments signal not just a new chapter in Somalia’s complex security story, but a stark warning: global and regional powers are using Somalia as a base for proxy operations in broader regional conflicts.

Turkey’s Strategic Deployment in the South

Under the guise of bilateral defense cooperation, Turkey has deployed trained mercenaries, many with combat experience in Syria and Libya, to Somalia. While officially tasked with supporting counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, their presence suggests a deeper mission: protecting Turkish economic and political interests, projecting military power along the Gulf of Aden, and countering adversaries aligned with rival Gulf actors—most notably the UAE and Egypt.

The Turkish private securiry forces are reported to operate under centralized command structures, integrated with Somalia’s Turkish-trained special units, and are increasingly positioned not just as security reinforcements but as enforcers of Somali-Turkish alignment. These deployments serve Ankara’s long-term goals: securing port and logistics contracts, expanding its Red Sea footprint, and isolating competitors.

Qatar is believed to be a silent co-financier of this effort, motivated by its alignment with Turkey and its own rivalry with Abu Dhabi. Together, they aim to fortify a political bloc within Somalia that reinforces their joint regional agenda.

The UAE’s Quiet Mercenary Front in the Northeast

Parallel to Turkey’s southern incursion, the United Arab Emirates has been building a separate security architecture in northeastern Somalia, particularly in Puntland and parts of the contested Sanaag region. Emirati-backed mercenaries—reportedly composed of Sudanese RSF veterans, Yemenis, and other foreign nationals—have been deployed to protect Emirati commercial assets and potentially conduct forward operations beyond Somali territory.

Sources indicate that these units are being positioned not only to secure UAE-run ports like Bosaso but also to serve as a launchpad for intelligence and special operations against the Houthis in Yemen. Additionally, their presence may provide rear logistical support for the UAE’s RSF allies in Sudan, as Abu Dhabi continues to back paramilitary actors in the Red Sea corridor.

A Dangerous Game with Somali Sovereignty at Stake

What we are witnessing is not simply bilateral military cooperation. These are signs of a dangerous externalization of Somali territory—used as a launching ground for proxy warfare in Yemen, Sudan, and the broader Horn of Africa. Both Turkey and the UAE are arming and embedding foreign mercenaries with competing goals, potentially pitting Somali factions against each other under foreign influence.

These parallel militarizations could entrench rival political camps, polarize Somali institutions, and derail fragile peace efforts. Worse still, Somalia risks becoming a proxy battlefield where Turkish-Qatari interests clash with UAE-backed forces—mirroring the larger Middle Eastern geopolitical rivalry.

Somalia Deserves More Than Being a Staging Ground

As a nation still healing from decades of war, Somalia cannot afford to host foreign militaries whose objectives serve outside agendas. Genuine security and sovereignty cannot be outsourced to mercenaries. Instead, Somalia needs:

  • Neutral, locally driven security reform

  • Strong institutions accountable to the Somali people

  • Regional diplomacy that respects Somali independence

The international community and Somali civil society must speak out against this silent militarization. If unchecked, these foreign deployments will not bring peace—they will bring fragmentation.

The question now is not just who is arming Somalia—but to what end.

 ​

Turkey’s Zone of Influence: Southern and Central Somalia

  • Mogadishu: Turkey's primary foothold is in the capital, where it operates Camp TURKSOM, its largest overseas military base. This facility serves as a training center for the Somali National Army and symbolizes Turkey's deep military involvement in the country .​Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

  • Maritime Security: Turkey has signed agreements to bolster Somalia's maritime capabilities, aiming to protect its territorial waters and counter illegal activities .​Reuters+1AP News+1

  • Infrastructure Projects: Turkey has invested in various infrastructure projects, including the renovation of the Aden Adde International Airport and the construction of hospitals and schools .​Wikipedia

  • Strategic Objectives: Turkey's involvement is part of a broader strategy to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa, counterbalance rival Gulf states, and secure economic interests in the region .​

UAE’s Zone of Influence: Northeastern Somalia (Puntland and Somaliland)

  • Puntland: The UAE has supported the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) since its inception in 2010, providing training and equipment to combat piracy and secure the region .​Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

  • Somaliland (Berbera Port): In 2017, the UAE secured a 30-year concession to develop and manage the Port of Berbera through its state-owned company, DP World. This port serves as a strategic asset for the UAE, enhancing its maritime presence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden .​Wikipedia

  • Military Base: The UAE has established a military base in Berbera to support its operations in the region, including potential actions against the Houthis in Yemen .​Wikipedia

  • Strategic Objectives: The UAE's activities in northeastern Somalia are part of its broader strategy to project power in the Horn of Africa, secure maritime routes, and counter the influence of rival states like Turkey and Qatar .​

@TheSomaliDiary

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