Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his country’s commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening state institutions during his remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday. He emphasized Somalia’s growing resilience and international engagement, while expressing gratitude to Türkiye for its ongoing support.
Speaking to global leaders and diplomats, Mohamud said Somalia has shifted from the brink of collapse to a state of fragility, noting improvements in security and governance, despite challenges. “Somalia and Türkiye are real partners built on mutual interests,” he said, underscoring Türkiye’s critical role in training and equipping Somali forces.
Mohamud acknowledged international backing from the UN, African Union, the US, UK, and neighboring countries, but stressed that the fight against terror groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS is being led by Somalis themselves. “There is no place for terrorism in Somalia,” he stated, adding that public awareness is growing about the harmful agenda of extremist groups.
For the first time since 1969, Somalia plans to hold nationwide elections, a development the president hailed as a historic milestone in the country’s political progress. He also highlighted Somalia’s election to the UN Security Council seat representing East Africa, and its membership in the Arab League, as indicators of the country’s advancing global role.
On economic development, Mohamud pointed to Somalia’s untapped resources and strategic location, while cautioning that weak institutions have made the country vulnerable to exploitation. He said Somalia is now actively engaging with regional and global partners to align interests and attract investment.
Addressing regional relations, Mohamud acknowledged the complex history with neighboring Ethiopia, marked by past conflicts and instability. However, he welcomed the Ankara Declaration as a platform for future cooperation, noting that dialogue between both nations is ongoing and a new round of talks is planned in Türkiye.
He also revisited Türkiye’s humanitarian role during Somalia’s 2011 famine. Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit during that crisis, he said it marked a turning point in global perceptions of Somalia.
On Palestine, Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia’s unwavering support for the two-state solution and rejected any proposals involving the relocation of Palestinians to Somali territory. “Somaliland is part of Somalia, and the idea of removing Palestinians from their own land to settle them elsewhere is not a solution,” he said firmly.
President Mohamud concluded by stressing Somalia’s desire to be a voice for other underrepresented nations and reiterated his government’s focus on long-term peace, development, and regional cooperation.