(The Guardian). In sign that things in Somalia might finally be stabilizing the Turkish Airlines just had its maiden flight to the Somalia Capital, reports the Guardian. Somalia has virtually been without any properly functioning government for the last two decades. And Somalia has no any sign significant commercial relations with most of the world. Turkish Airlines is the first major commercial airline flight into Somalia's volatile capital. That makes this current flight from Istanbul to Mogadishu probably one of major turning point in the long dark twenty years of Somalia. Few days ago Ethiopian soldiers freed the strategically important town of Baidoa from the terrorist group al Shabab. African peace keeping forces and Kenyan army are also working to stabilize that country.

Is peace finally coming to Somalia, is stability at the horizon, was the decision by the Turkish Airlines to fly into Mogadishu the latest sign of confidence in growing stability in Somalia? Or is it highlights Turkey’s interest to influence the geopolitics of the region. The flight carried Turkish deputy prime minister and other high-profile officials. Turkey's national carrier intends to operate a twice-weekly passenger service from Istanbul and hopes it will prove popular with Somali exiles around the world.

The Turkish PM had visited Mogadishu last year, where he promised to challenge the idea that the Somali capital was a no-go area. Some 200 Turkish nationals are now living and working in the city on construction, logistics, aid and other projects, while over the past year Turkey has reportedly sent $365m in cash and in-kind aid to Somalia. In December, Turkish officials announced a plan to modernize Mogadishu's Aden Abdulle international airport. Istanbul will host a follow-up to the recent London conference on Somalia in June.

Is the recent move by Turkey confined to Somalia and help Somalia stand on its feet, or is this sign of greater geopolitical ambition Turkey intend to play in Africa?  

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/06/turkish-airlines-flights-somalia-mogadishu