Maraya Protest Demands Accountability from Türkiye Over Puntland Coastal Deaths

Residents of Maraya, a coastal community in Puntland’s Eyl district, demonstrated against Türkiye, demanding justice and compensation for 13 people they identified as fishermen killed off the Nugaal coast.

Protesters burned a Turkish flag and vowed to continue demonstrating unless Ankara compensated the affected families for the deaths and destroyed property. The demonstration reflects growing demands for accountability over foreign military operations along Puntland’s coastline.

Officials attending included Nugaal Governor Cabdiqaadir Cismaan Samatar, known as Food-cade, Deputy Governor Mukhtaar Faarax Jeer and General Muxyadiin Axmed Muuse.

The protest comes amid competing accounts of the killings. Residents maintain that those killed were fishermen, while Somalia’s Federal Government has described those killed in Turkish naval operations as pirates. The identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain disputed.

For the affected communities, that distinction carries serious consequences. Describing those killed as pirates cannot substitute for evidence or remove the obligation to investigate allegations of civilian deaths. Families deserve a clear account of what happened, who authorized the strikes and what information was used to identify the targets.

The demonstration also raises a broader issue for Puntland: how foreign forces conduct operations in waters where coastal communities depend on fishing for their livelihoods. Effective maritime security requires coordination with Puntland’s institutions, credible identification of threats and safeguards for civilians.

The demands voiced in Maraya require a substantive response. Türkiye and the Federal Government should provide verifiable evidence concerning the operations and engage with Puntland authorities and the affected families. An impartial investigation should establish the facts and determine responsibility, including compensation where civilian harm is established.