President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced that Somalia is set to commence its first-ever oil drilling “in the coming months.”
He made the announcement on September 29, 2025, while addressing members of the bicameral parliament during the opening of the 7th Session of the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu. The declaration follows recent oil and gas exploration activities conducted by the Turkish vessel Oruç Reis off the Somali coast, in collaboration with the Somali government.
“Our commitment is to use the wealth God has blessed Somalia with to drive growth,” President Hassan said, highlighting upcoming mega projects including new roads, airports, ports, and what he described as Africa’s first satellite launch station.
“In the coming months, with God’s will, oil drilling will begin. We are also investing in strengthening our economic infrastructure, including roads, airports, and seaports, alongside the establishment of a satellite launch base, the very first of its kind to be built on the African continent,” the President said in his address.
Somalia is believed to have some of the world’s largest oil reserves. In October 2024, the Oruç Reis sailed to Somalia to conduct seismic surveys in three areas where Türkiye has secured exploration licenses.
“This is a significant achievement that reinforces our objective for Somalia to fully harness its natural resources, transforming them into economic opportunities and social progress,” President Mohamud had said during an inspection tour at the time.
The exploration by the Oruç Reis is part of broader cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia. The agreement allows the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) to explore oil and gas across three land blocks covering approximately 16,000 square kilometers in Somalia. The deal was signed in Ankara by Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation following earlier offshore agreements.
Beyond energy, President Mohamud praised the Somali National Army and international partners for recent military operations against al-Shabaab, pledging continued offensives to liberate remaining areas from the group.
“The government and its army fight militants on many frontlines. As you know, Somali pilots are now flying our planes in these operations, which is a big step for the army and the country,” the President said.
He also told lawmakers that the security environment in Somalia has improved significantly over the past three years, noting that the largest portion of the federal budget is now dedicated to security and military reforms. He commended parliament for passing legislation that secured debt relief for the country and for advancing constitutional reforms that had been stalled for years.
“The 11th Parliament deserves recognition and respect for taking the bold step of advancing the completion of the Constitution, an undertaking that had been postponed since the 9th Parliament. This will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, as you are the ones who dared to see our Constitution through to its completion. I hope that during this session, the remaining sections of the draft Constitution will be finalized,” he said.
On economic progress, the President pointed out that the government is now able to pay the monthly salaries of 100,000 soldiers, civil servants, teachers, and political staff entirely from internal resources. “This is the fruit of citizen contributions through taxation,” President Mohamud said.
On the political front, he shared with parliament his plan regarding the federal member states of Jubbaland and Puntland, with whom he is engaged in dialogue aimed at resolving ongoing disputes. The President told parliament that their differences would soon be settled, not through force or conflict, but at the negotiation table.
“We continue to make every effort to encourage our brothers who have distanced themselves to rejoin the National Consultative Council. At the same time, the position and responsibility entrusted to us, reinforced by the spirit of leadership and peacemaking at the national level, compel us to listen to every concerned voice. And with God’s will, we will continue on this path,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in his speech. He further added, “We have chosen to resolve our disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.”
The President also welcomed the newly established Northeastern regional administration in Las Anod, describing it as the result of the people’s will. He called for strengthened security, reconciliation with neighboring administrations, and investment in basic services.
“The establishment of the Northeastern regional administration does not mean neighboring regions are no longer separate. The federal government will work to ensure coexistence and cooperation,” he added.
On the issue of prisoners, President Mohamud stated, “It is not Somali tradition to hold prisoners. Rather, it is our tradition to honor men captured in war and return them to their communities.”
Finally, turning to elections, the President addressed the upcoming polls and the form they will take. He once again emphasized that Somalia will not return to an indirect electoral system, but will instead move forward with a “one person, one vote” model in which citizens cast their ballots directly.
The President stated that those hoping for a return to indirect elections will find their answer from the registered voters themselves.
“To those dreaming of an indirect election, I believe the response will come from the millions who have already registered in the Banadir region,” he said.
