MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s president and senior federal officials on Friday gathered in Mogadishu to welcome the Turkish drillship Cagri Bey, which arrived earlier this week ahead of planned offshore drilling operations.
The ceremony brought together Somali government leaders, Turkey’s energy minister, diplomats and other guests, signaling the formal launch of Turkish oil drilling across multiple offshore blocks.
According to local media, the vessel is set to begin drilling a deep-sea well in Galmudug state, about 372 kilometers off the country’s coastline. The project is expected to rank among the most technically ambitious efforts of its kind, with the well projected to be the second-deepest offshore well ever drilled worldwide.
Addressing attendees, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said any future oil revenues would be managed with fairness and transparency, with a focus on national reconstruction, economic growth and improving living standards. He also thanked Turkey for supporting Somalia’s long-held ambition to develop its natural resources.
Yet the launch comes amid lingering concerns over transparency. Somali authorities have not publicly disclosed the terms of the exploration and drilling agreements with Turkey, nor the details of broader blue economy partnerships. For many, the lack of clarity raises questions about accountability, with critics warning it could open the door to mismanagement through opaque, patronage-driven arrangements.
The moment also carries historical weight. About a decade ago, the president cautioned that Somalia lacked the capacity to pursue oil extraction, warning it could fuel internal conflict or expose the country to exploitation by more powerful foreign actors.
Now, as the drillship prepares to begin operations, Somalia stands at a pivotal juncture, balancing the promise of untapped resources against enduring questions over governance, transparency and national interest.
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