What is the rivalry between global and regional powers in Somalia?

 

Somalia, which is geographically located in a key location, also has economic importance and untapped natural resources, which is causing both global and regional powers to monitor the situation in Somalia separately and also compete for influence over its politics.

Somalia, which is struggling with economic circumstances, internal security and political instability, is being exacerbated by geopolitical tensions between major countries that want to strengthen their influence in the Horn of Africa, especially Somalia.

The European Union and the United States, which have long been the strongest influencers in Somali politics, are pressuring Turkey to reduce its activities inside the country, fearing Turkey's growing influence and power.

The Gulf Arab states, led by the UAE, are also making a strong presence inside Somalia. The UAE has deep ties with some of the country's regional administrations, although its influence is sometimes felt negatively in politics. Abu Dhabi also spends a lot of money to maintain its political influence in Somalia.

Meanwhile, the Russian government, which has had a long history of estranged relations with Somalia, has said it wants to restore diplomatic relations with Somalia, after a delegation from the Russian government led by President Putin's Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail L. Bogdanov, visited Mogadishu.

Turkey, a regional power with which Somalia has had deep relations over the past 10 years, and has helped in many areas including construction, military training, education, trade and infrastructure, is facing high pressure from European countries and the United States, after news emerged that Turkey is extracting oil from Somalia.

The Special Representative of the Russian President Bogdanov has conveyed to President Hassan Sheikh an official invitation from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, regarding his participation in the upcoming Summit of the Heads of State of Russia and the League of Arab States.

This step taken by Russia is felt as a sign of its interest in restoring its influence in the Horn of Africa and in particular in Somalia.

China, another world power, is also studying the functioning of Somali government institutions, trying to improve its relations with Somalia, in order to participate in the international struggle for a presence in the region.

Most of these countries are interested in having a military presence in Somalia, some of which have already asked Somalia for military bases. If Somalia manages well, it can benefit from this high interest from the world's major powers in terms of development.

The question before the Villa Somalia office is how Somalia will bring together these countries with different interests, whose relations are not good, each of which sees its own interests in Somalia.