The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Federal Government of Somalia, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has announced that the majority of the oil exploration conducted by a Turkish company in Somalia is now complete. He confirmed that by the end of this year or early 2026, Somalia may officially announce the commencement of its first oil production.
In an interview with VOA, the Minister revealed that the exploration is currently taking place in the regions of Mareeg and Xarardheere, and it will soon move towards the coasts of Hobyo in southern Mudug. He further mentioned that by April, the Turkish exploration vessel operating in Somalia’s waters would finish its survey.
When asked about the impact of oil production on climate change and security, the Minister explained that experts are already working on these issues, and the ministry has prepared strategies to address potential challenges.
A drilling vessel, currently stationed in the Red Sea, is waiting for the completion of the survey, after which it will head toward Somalia’s coast.
Finally, the Minister acknowledged challenges faced during the exploration process, including illegal vessels operating in Somali waters, which have sometimes interfered with survey equipment by casting nets over it.
