MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Parliamentary Natural Resources Committee has voiced strong opposition to a controversial oil and gas agreement signed with Turkey, following leaked documents that reveal Ankara would receive 90% of the offshore production revenue, while Somalia would earn a mere 5%.
The deal, signed by Abdirisak Omar Mohamed in early 2024, was reportedly finalized without prior consultation with Parliament. Lawmakers argue the agreement violates Somalia’s legal and constitutional frameworks, as they were not informed or involved in its negotiation.
“The fact that Turkey gets the lion’s share while Somalia receives just 5% is unacceptable and shocking,” said one committee member. “This raises serious questions about whose interests this deal truly serves.”
The agreement has sparked widespread public outrage and a growing national debate over foreign influence, transparency, and resource control. Committee members allege that the deal was pushed through Parliament without proper scrutiny or debate, and that full details are only now coming to light.
Citizens and civil society organizations across the country have called for clarity on how such a significant deal could be reached behind closed doors. The backlash has intensified demands for government accountability and increased scrutiny of international partnerships involving Somalia’s natural resources.
HORN LIFE
