JidbaaleTurkish fishermen will begin operations in Somali seas under a new bilateral agreement, bolstering relations between the two countries but raising concerns over its implications for Somalia’s marine conservation initiatives. The agreement was announced after high-level discussions between Turkey’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, and Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden. Both presidents praised the alliance as a chance to boost sustainable fisheries management and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Yumaklı stated that Turkish fishermen have considerable experience in international seas and believe they can impart their fishing expertise to Somalia. By guaranteeing the sustainable use of Somalia’s resources, Turkish fishermen and businesspeople will benefit from working in the country, resulting in mutual benefits. A joint technical committee will supervise operations and ensure compliance with sustainable practices as stipulated in the agreement.
The fisheries pact corresponds with Somalia’s attempts to implement a trawler ban announced in April 2024 to limit illicit, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Somalia’s prohibition on trawling signifies its intention to take a more assertive role in safeguarding its marine resources and reestablishing control over its territorial seas after years of ineffective administration and unrestrained exploitation.
Turkey’s interest in Somalia’s infrastructure extends to its supervision of the Port of Mogadishu, managed by the Turkish business Albayrak Group since 2014. The port serves as a crucial hub for Somalia’s international commerce, and its upgrading is intended to increase economic development and improve trade logistics.
