Turkey and Israel are intensifying their rivalry in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia and Somaliland emerging as strategic battlegrounds for control over Red Sea trade routes and energy resources, according to reports dated April 26, 2026.
Turkey has formalized agreements with Somalia, including a defense and economic partnership signed in February 2024, which grants Turkey training and equipment for Somali naval forces to protect its coastline. In return, Turkey gains access to Somali waters for potential energy exploration, as reported by Al Jazeera and other sources.
Israel, meanwhile, has strengthened ties with Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence in 1991 but is not internationally recognized. In 2020, Israel and Somaliland established diplomatic relations, and in 2024, Israel signed a memorandum of understanding to explore establishing a military base in Somaliland, according to reports from The Jerusalem Post and other outlets.
The rivalry is driven by the strategic importance of the Red Sea, through which about 12% of global trade passes, including oil shipments. Both nations seek to secure influence over shipping lanes and energy resources, with Turkey backing Somalia's central government and Israel supporting Somaliland's autonomy, as noted by analysts.
As of April 2026, no major clashes have been reported, but tensions remain high. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical competition in the region, involving other powers like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
