TURKEY MEDIATES TO SOLVE SOMALIA CONFLICT

Turkey is mediating between Somalia’s government and Al-Shabaab group to help bring an end to the years-long conflict in the Horn of Africa nation.“Through the years, Turkey, the only Muslim member in NATO, and Somalia have maintained a pleasant relationship,”AbdihakimAynte, an independent Somali researcher, said, adding that Ankara has notable advantages in mediating between the Somali rivals to end the bloody conflict.Turkey has spearheaded efforts to provide aid for millions of Somalis ravaged by the years-long conflict in their country.

Last year, Ankara contributed $201 million to the humanitarian relief efforts to help Somalis affected by a severe drought in the Horn of Africa.Many Somalis consider Turkey their only “true Muslim friend”, citing a visit by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan during last year’s drought and the resulting famine.Turkish foreign minister AhmetDavtutoglu has recently outlined Turkey’s interest in meditating between conflicting factions in Somalia. “Despite our advantage and special relation with Somalis of all stripes, Turkey would play a role in mediating conflicting parties in Somalia.” Analysts opine that Turkey’s mediation could possibly prove to be a catalyst for the rebuilding of Somalia, a country divided along clan lines.