Recent diplomatic talks in Turkey’s capital have brought hope for a resolution to the bitter dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia. The talks, mediated by Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, have been crucial in preventing a potential war between the two east African countries. Both Somali and Ethiopian diplomats have engaged in discussions aimed at finding common ground and easing tensions.
The conflict between the two nations escalated when Ethiopia signed a deal in January to build a naval base in Somaliland, a move that angered Somalia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has played a key role in urging both countries to reconcile and mend their differences.
Turkey’s involvement in mediating talks between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa highlights the country’s growing influence in Africa over the past two decades. Ankara has strategically positioned itself as a key player in the region, forging strong political, commercial, and security alliances.
According to analysts, Turkey has significantly expanded its presence in Africa since 2003, nearly quadrupling the number of its embassies on the continent. The country has also become a major player in Africa’s defense sector and established extensive airline routes connecting Istanbul to numerous African cities.
Experts suggest that Turkey’s interest in Africa stems from its desire to diversify its foreign policy options and expand its regional power ambitions. Ankara has declared Africa a priority in its foreign policy agenda, paving the way for increased engagement and influence in the region.
In recent years, Turkey’s influence has been particularly noticeable in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara. Alongside other middle powers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Turkey has bolstered its presence in the Sahel, capitalizing on the region’s strategic importance.
The changing dynamics in Africa have led to increased competition among external actors vying for influence on the continent. As African nations seek alternative partners, countries like Turkey have seized the opportunity to strengthen their ties and expand their influence in the region.
Turkey’s strategic shift towards Africa gained momentum in 2011 when President Erdoğan visited Somalia during a severe famine. His visit, marked by a show of solidarity and aid, resonated deeply with the Somali people and showcased Turkey’s commitment to the continent.
Since then, Turkey has continued to make significant investments in Africa, focusing on commercial, security, diplomatic, and religious efforts. Trade between Turkey and African nations has surged, reaching $32 billion last year. Turkish companies have been actively involved in infrastructure projects across the continent, including in regions considered high-risk by Western counterparts.
Overall, Turkey’s expanding leverage in Africa reflects its strategic vision to broaden its global footprint and establish itself as a key player in the region’s development and security landscape.
Turkish companies have been taking risks by investing in countries that are often overlooked by Western nations. This strategic move has not been a coincidence, as these investments are closely tied to the diplomatic relationships that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has built with African nations. These countries offer a growing internal market that is in need of development and investment across various sectors, including national defense industries, infrastructure, and consumer markets.
One significant aspect of Turkey’s investment in Africa is its soft power initiatives, which aim to build positive relationships with African nations. For example, Turkey has funded the construction of mosques in countries like Ghana, Mali, Djibouti, and Sudan, drawing on shared religious beliefs to connect with local communities. Additionally, Turkey has built schools and hospitals in Somalia, and offers scholarship programs for gifted African students to study in Turkey.
To further strengthen its ties with Africa, Turkey has launched an Africa news service through its state broadcaster TRT, broadcasting in multiple languages including English, French, Swahili, and Hausa. Turkish Airlines has also expanded its services to include more African destinations than any other non-African carrier. Furthermore, Turkey has eased visa restrictions for many African countries, making it easier for citizens, especially from Sahelian states, to visit Turkey for various purposes.
In addition to these soft power initiatives, Turkey has also formed deep security alliances with African countries, supplying them with effective yet cost-efficient drones that have proven essential in military operations. Turkish drones, particularly the Bayraktar TB2, have become a key component of Turkey’s military presence in Africa, with countries like Mali, Niger, and Ethiopia incorporating them into their arsenals. Turkey also sells small arms, armored vehicles, and helicopters to African nations, further solidifying its defense cooperation with the continent.
Turkey’s engagement in Africa extends beyond arms sales, with a focus on security and defense cooperation. The Turkish government is actively involved in training military forces in various African countries, including Somalia, where Turkey is assisting in building up the national army and reforming the security sector. Additionally, Turkey has dispatched a vessel to Somalia to explore potential oil and gas reserves, highlighting the depth of its economic engagement with the country.
Unlike other global powers like Russia and China, Turkey’s rise in Africa has been met with less skepticism from Western countries. While the US may view Turkey as a competitor in diplomatic and commercial spheres, it ultimately recognizes Turkey as an ally in the region. This unique positioning allows Turkey to leverage its investments and partnerships in Africa for mutual benefit, contributing to the continent’s development and Turkey’s strategic interests. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
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