Turkey is set to commence its oil and gas exploration mission in Somali territorial waters following the arrival of its research vessel, *Oruc Reis*, in Mogadishu’s port on October 25. The mission is part of an “exploration and production of hydrocarbons” agreement signed in March 2024, granting the Turkish national oil company the rights to survey three offshore areas spanning 15,000 km².
The ship’s arrival was celebrated with significant fanfare, attended by the Somali president and Turkey’s energy minister. Somali Defense Minister hailed the event as a “historic day.” This seven-month mission will involve collecting seismic data to help Turkey locate potential drilling sites. The estimated reserves in these waters amount to at least 30 billion barrels, making it one of the world’s top ten oil and gas reserves.
Turkey’s involvement in Somali waters is a strategic step to diversify its hydrocarbon sources and reduce reliance on Russian energy imports. In exchange, Turkey has pledged to secure Somalia’s coast, with several Turkish navy vessels set to protect the research operations.
However, this Turkish military presence could reignite regional tensions. Some of the waters to be explored lie off the coast of Somaliland, a self-declared republic. In July, Somaliland’s government warned that Turkish military activities in the area could destabilize the region, especially as Ethiopia has recently strengthened ties with Somaliland.