MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia is set to host the launch of a satellite from its soil for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its emerging partnership with Turkey, the Turkish ambassador to Somalia said on Monday.
Speaking at a ceremony in Mogadishu, Ambassador Alper Aktaş said preparations are under way for the inaugural launch of a Turkish satellite from Somali territory, a move that would position Somalia as a player in space technology for the first time in its history.
This will be a historic moment for the Somali people, Ambassador Aktaş said, adding that an official inauguration ceremony will be held soon.
The launch is part of a broader plan that includes the construction of a Turkish-built spaceport in Somalia, signalling deepening strategic and technological ties between the two nations.
In a separate announcement, the ambassador revealed that Turkey intends to begin oil extraction operations in Somali waters following the completion of seismic surveys and exploration studies. These studies, he said, have indicated the presence of significant offshore hydrocarbon reserves.
Exploration results show promising deposits in multiple offshore blocks, and we are moving into the next phase, Aktaş noted.
Turkey has played an increasingly prominent role in Somalia in recent years, providing humanitarian aid, infrastructure investment, and security assistance. Ankara has also helped train thousands of Somali security personnel and supplied drone support in efforts to combat the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.
Ambassador Aktaş reaffirmed his country’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa, saying: Together, Somalia and Turkey will overcome “anti-peace” groups that continue to threaten stability.
Despite years of international military and financial support, Al-Shabaab remains a potent force, frequently carrying out attacks across the country. Analysts say that while Turkish assistance has bolstered the Somali government, defeating the insurgency remains a long-term challenge.
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