ANKARA (SD) – A senior opposition lawmaker has expressed strong concerns over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent proposal to deploy Turkish naval forces to Somalia following an oil exploration agreement between Turkey and Somalia.

Yanki Bağcıoğlu, deputy leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and a former admiral, warned that sending Turkish troops to Somali waters could jeopardize Turkey’s ongoing military operations and national security. In a written statement, Bağcıoğlu said, “Deploying Turkish naval forces to Somalia’s coast risks undermining our current missions and national security.”

Bağcıoğlu criticized the lack of clear directives in the motion submitted by the presidency, urging careful preparation and transparent political objectives to avoid compromising Turkey’s security. “If sending Turkish troops to support Somalia’s needs is necessary, it must be backed by a well-prepared, forward-looking plan and clear orders,” he stated.

The remarks came after Erdoğan submitted a motion to the Turkish Parliament seeking authorization to send troops to Somalia. This follows reports from Turkey’s Energy Ministry that a research vessel would be dispatched to Somali waters this year as part of a cooperation agreement signed in early 2024.

In February, Turkey and Somalia signed a defense and economic cooperation pact during a visit by Somalia’s defense minister to Ankara. Turkey has strengthened ties with Somalia in recent years, building schools, hospitals, and economic infrastructure while providing scholarships to Somali students. In 2017, Turkey also established its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, where it has trained Somali military and police forces.

However, Bağcıoğlu argued that Turkish troops in Somalia should not take on a combat role, warning against adopting a similar approach in the future. He highlighted the risks posed by escalating regional tensions, citing strained Somalia-Ethiopia relations over Somaliland, the presence of global actors like the UAE, and the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab militants.

The CHP deputy leader also cautioned against overextending Turkey’s naval forces, which are already active in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, and Black Sea. Expanding operations to Somali waters, he argued, could strain Turkey’s domestic defense capabilities.

Bağcıoğlu called for transparency regarding the national interests behind the decision to conduct high-risk oil exploration activities in Somalia. “We must ask why we are sending troops far from home to protect interests tied to another region’s opaque agenda,” he said, demanding a thorough review of the president’s motion to address existing concerns.

The debate reflects growing scrutiny over Turkey’s deepening military and economic engagement in Somalia, with opposition figures urging caution to safeguard national security priorities.