Puntland, Somalia – Press reports have highlighted critical details regarding statements issued by Somalia’s outgoing federal leadership. These statements defend Turkey’s role in the country and raise questions about the nature and drafting process of these closely aligned official messages. At the same time, the reports discuss the political, technical, and military dimensions of the space rocket launch facility project in the Warshiikh district.
Official defense of Ankara amidst regional tensions
The report noted that outgoing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, outgoing Speaker of the House of the People Adan Mohamed Nur, and several ministers issued remarkably similar statements defending Ankara and strongly condemning critics of its role in Somalia. This media and political activity followed popular protests in the states of Puntland, Jubaland, and Southwest State, which included demonstrations and the burning of the Turkish flag. These events were triggered by unverified allegations—lacking independent confirmation—regarding the involvement of Turkish drones in airstrikes targeting areas such as Dolo.
For their part, both federal authorities and Ankara denied any direct political or military interference. Meanwhile, a media forum organized by the Turkish Directorate of Communications was held in Mogadishu and opened by the Speaker of Parliament. The Somali Minister of Information also proposed permanent institutional cooperation to counter what was described as media disinformation.
The “Warshikh” Space Project: Civil Dimensions and Technical Ambitions
In the context of joint strategic projects, the initiative to construct a spaceport near the Warshiikh area—located in the Middle Shabelle region, approximately 70 kilometers north of Mogadishu—stands out. Work on the project began in October 2025 on land allocated to Turkey under bilateral agreements. Following the completion of feasibility and design studies, the first phase of actual construction is expected to commence around 2027. The project is estimated to cost approximately $350 million. The formal framework between the two parties focuses on civil space cooperation while also leveraging the area’s equatorial geographic advantages for launch operations—thereby ensuring fuel and payload efficiency and guaranteeing that debris falls safely into the Indian Ocean.
Controversy over ownership and dual uses of the facility
Despite statements by Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktaş regarding the 2027 launch of Somalia’s first satellite from the Warshiikh facility, analytical reports indicate that the site is primarily linked to Turkey’s ambitious strategic goals of achieving full satellite launch independence and entering the commercial launch market. Although there has been no public disclosure regarding precise ownership details or Somalia’s technological and financial stakes, international reports suggest the site serves a dual purpose: it houses a satellite launch pad while potentially facilitating ballistic missile testing for Turkey’s defense industry—including companies like Roketsan—with missiles capable of reaching a range of 2,000 kilometers. This situation unfolds amidst a lack of comprehensive disclosure from the relevant authorities regarding the facility’s military dimension.
