Somali-Turkish Tensions Rise as Deportations Follow Anti-Ankara Protests

The group that arrived in Mogadishu reportedly comprised 25 men and 25 women. The deportees are said to have been living in Turkey for various reasons, including education and employment, while some were reportedly suspected of involvement in irregular migration or attempts to travel onward to Europe. Several of those deported said they had committed no crimes in Turkey and had been living in the country under different legal circumstances. Some identified themselves as university students, while others said they had been employed in Turkey. The differing accounts have raised questions about the specific grounds for the deportations and whether they were linked to immigration status, residency permits, visas, employment, or alleged involvement in irregular migration. Meanwhile, reports indicate that nearly 300 Somali nationals are being held at a detention facility in Istanbul, with some potentially facing deportation. If confirmed by Turkish authorities or the Somali government, the figure would represent a significant number of Somali nationals facing removal within a relatively short period. The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly been contacted for clarification but said it did not have sufficient information about the circumstances or reasons behind the deportations. The ministry reportedly noted that Turkish authorities have legal powers to deport foreign nationals who are not authorized to remain in the country, with immigration and residency matters governed by Turkish law. The situation has prompted calls for the Somali government to closely monitor the welfare and legal status of Somali nationals in Turkey, particularly those who have been detained or are facing deportation. Advocates have stressed the importance of ensuring that individuals understand the grounds for their removal and have access to Somali consular assistance. Turkey has long served as an important transit point for migrants from Somalia and other countries in Africa and Asia seeking to reach Europe. Some migrants attempt to travel onward from Turkey through Greece and other routes into the European Union, placing Turkey at the centre of regional efforts to control irregular migration and deport individuals without valid legal status. The latest deportations have therefore renewed attention on the situation of Somali nationals in Turkey, particularly amid concerns that hundreds more could be returned to Somalia in the coming days or weeks. The deportations come amid growing tensions between Somalia and Turkey, following anti-Turkey protests held in several towns and cities across Somalia. The demonstrations were reportedly linked to allegations that Turkish military aircraft were involved in an attack targeting the residence of former Somali Custodial Corps commander General Mahad Abdirahman Aden, widely known as Commander Shub, in the town of Doolow. The allegations have fueled public anger and raised concerns over Turkey's role in Somalia, although the reported claims regarding the involvement of Turkish military aircraft have not been independently verified.