The recent arrival of Turkish tanks to the Somali military has sparked significant discussion on social media platforms about the motives behind Turkey's military support and the wider regional implications. Video footage showing the tanks has led many to question the strategic objectives of Turkey in Somalia, especially following a comprehensive 10-year framework agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in February 2024. This agreement aims to bolster Somali maritime security, develop a naval force, and engage in oil and gas exploration along Somali coasts.

The agreement signifies an increase in Turkey's influence in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing cooperation on maritime safety, combating piracy and smuggling, alongside direct investments and infrastructure development projects. The Turkish military assistance aligns with Turkey's broader strategy to strengthen its naval capabilities and extend its geopolitical reach in a region that is becoming increasingly strategic due to its resources and maritime routes.

This military aid arrives against a backdrop of regional tensions, particularly following Israel's recognition of the separatist region of Somaliland as a sovereign state in December, which has evoked widespread regional discontent. The varied responses on social media reflect a mix of support and concern from activists regarding the implications of Turkey's military presence, indicating a complex interplay of local and international dynamics in Somali politics.