Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has recently made a significant leadership change; on March 16, 2025, he dismissed his Defense Minister, Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, primarily following pressure from the United States military. This move comes amid growing concerns regarding Nur's strong ties to Turkey, which have increasingly unsettled Washington.
In a reshuffling of his administration, Nur has now been reassigned to the role of Minister of Ports, indicating a shift in the Somali government's approach to defense amidst complex geopolitical interplays. Reports suggest that the US military has been applying ongoing pressure on Mohamud to remove Nur, as they expressed dissatisfaction with his coordination with American forces in the country's ongoing fight against the al-Shabab militant group.
Nur's dismissal also reflects a broader concern regarding Turkey's growing influence in Somalia. While the country has fostered military, energy, and aerospace cooperation with Ankara—culminating in a comprehensive naval and trade agreement signed in February 2024—such alliances have been met with wariness from the US. This agreement included Turkey's role in safeguarding Somali waters and assisting in establishing a Somali navy, particularly as a countermeasure to Ethiopia’s maritime agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Reports indicate that US military officers questioned Nur's effectiveness and coordination with US forces, raising alarms over ongoing Turkish military engagements in Somalia and its implications for US security interests in the region. A Somali official revealed that American military officers consistently lobbied for Nur's removal, connecting it to concerns over his alignment with Turkish interests rather than fostering cooperation with US military initiatives.
Furthermore, the relationship between Somalia and Turkey continued to raise eyebrows in Washington. Turkish plans to develop a spaceport in Somalia and explore oil and gas resources triggered skepticism among US officials who feared potential long-range ballistic missile tests could follow. The US has previously reacted strongly to these developments, making it clear that Nur's removal was crucial for maintaining continued American support promised to land against al-Shabab.
Nur's role in vibrant Turkish-Somali relations cannot be underestimated. As a graduate of Ankara University and fluent Turkish speaker, his connections with Turkish leadership significantly contributed to fostering collaborative ventures. However, that connection became a point of contention, especially following the deployment of two Bayraktar Akinci armed drones to Mogadishu, which some interpreted as the final straw for US relations.
"The Americans essentially made it clear that if Nur wasn’t removed, they would reconsider their security cooperation with Mogadishu against al-Shabab," noted a source familiar with the political dynamics, underscoring the stakes at play. With Turkish drones now part of the Somali military arsenal aimed at combating al-Shabab, US military interests in the region appear to be challenged, leading to an enforced reallocation of leadership roles.
In light of these developments, the recent US embassy security alert about potential al-Shabab attacks in Mogadishu adds another layer of urgency to Somalia's defense posture. Following this alert, key airline carriers like Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines announced flight cancellations, highlighting the precarious security environment.
The ongoing tug-of-war between Turkish ambitions, US security interests, and Somalia’s defense strategies is evident, and observers note an urgent need for Somalia to navigate this complex relationship. Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh articulated the challenges ahead, acknowledging the government’s need to secure alternative funding sources following a cut in US support for the elite Danab Special Forces Unit.
Some in Somalia view Nur’s dismissal as a necessary step. Former Danab commander Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh welcomed the change in leadership, expressing renewed hope that it would lead to more effective military strategies in the fight against al-Shabab. This sentiment reflects a broader hope for renewed vigor in national defense as the Somali government endeavors to adapt amidst shifting alliances.
Despite the turbulence, Turkish officials maintain that their relationship with Somalia remains steadfast, emphasizing institutional cooperation over personal connections. One Turkish official emphasized, "This will not affect our relationship. All agreements with Mogadishu were signed with the government and the Somali president."
Regional expert Tunc Demirtas noted the significance of focusing on strengthening institutional structures instead of individual actors, assuring ongoing Turkish support for counter-terrorism efforts. As the situation continues to evolve, the Somali government’s strategic responses will be critical in addressing internal security threats while balancing external alliances.
