Perspectives on Aid Politics in the Horn of Africa- an Analysis of the Impact of Turkey’s Intervention in Somalia

Abstract

This study examined the dynamics of aid politics in Horn of Africa. A specific focus was Turkey’s humanitarian aid intervention in Somalia in 2011 when parts of the country were hit by famine that triggered huge populations into the capital Mogadishu. The study had three objectives. It examined the impact of Turkey’s humanitarian aid intervention in Somalia. It analyzed the factors that undermined the Turkey’s aid delivery in Somalia and finally, the study assessed the dynamics of Turkey’s political engagement in Somalia. This research was guided by realism, idealism and dependency theories. The study used descriptive survey design and complemented with an in-depth literature review. The study population comprised of government officials, MPs, and Senators of Federal government of Somalia, INGOs, NGOs, business groups, and academics in Mogadishu. Primary data was gathered through use of survey questionnaire from relevant participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically and descriptively. The study concludes that Turkey’s intervention had multiple positive effects; firstly, the aid intervention averted the unfolding humanitarian crisis by saving lives. Secondly, the Turkey intervention brought the Somalia agenda back on to the international agenda and as well raised the profile of Turkey in the global stage. However, the study also found the Turkey humanitarian aid had significantly reduced over the years due in part to the sustained threats from Al-Shabab because of Turkey’s support to the federal government. A decade on the situation has not changed as UN declared in July 2.5 million face food insecurity. The study also found Turkey has succeeded in sponsoring a political dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland-self-declared republic- in 2013 and created momentum for similar dialogues. A key recommendation is coordination with other donors, building the capacity of state institutions and strengthens the social-economic pillars