Turkish explorers have discovered an estimated 20 billion barrels of commercially viable crude oil offshore Somalia, marking a potentially transformative moment for the war-torn nation’s energy sector.
The discovery stems from an agreement that grants Turkey control over 90% of Somalia’s oil and gas output rights—an arrangement that has drawn significant criticism for being heavily skewed in Turkey’s favor.
Critics argue that the deal offers little benefit to Somalia, which continues to grapple with economic hardship and political instability.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has defended the partnership, stating that the agreement is vital to unlocking the country’s long-dormant energy sector and attracting foreign investment.
Somalia’s oil exploration efforts have been stalled since 1991, when civil war prompted major international oil and gas companies to withdraw, plunging the country into decades of insecurity and underdevelopment.
The new deal, despite its controversy, signals a renewed interest in Somalia’s untapped offshore resources.
