Turkey enters Africa amid criticism of Somalia’s affairs
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Turkish government has reiterated its commitment to work with African countries on security, trade and investment issues, amid external competition to seize the continent, which is seen as the future epicenter of the world economies.
Ankara has made inroads in Africa, but its influence is largely visible in Arab-speaking countries, where it controls major efforts in terms of economic development and even security improvement.
For example, Turkey has a huge presence in Somalia, where it has worked to improve its infrastructure in addition to strengthening security forces through the training of Gor-Gor troops and Haramcad police.
But the presence in Somalia has often been criticized by opposition members who accuse Ankara of “promoting the dictatorship” in the government of Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. Al-Shabaab militants have also targeted Turkish citizens in Somalia.
In a statement, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, said that Ankara will continue to work closely with the African countries for stability and peace, which are key indicators for development.
“We will continue to be in unity and solidarity with African countries and the AU with the strength and inspiration we receive from our centuries-old historical, cultural and human relations with Africa,” he said.
“Our approach to African countries is fully in line with the AU’s basic principles and is based on a holistic, inclusive, equal partnership based on mutual respect and a win-win strategy,” he noted. “We share the spirit of 1963 and Africa’s vision and attach great importance to Agenda 2063 and the UN’s 2030 goals for sustainable development.”
According to him, Turkey has invested enormously in foreign policy, which he says has greatly improved relations between Turkey and African countries. It competes with European nations and the United States, while the Far East also makes inroads.
“We continue to contribute to peace and stability and economic and social development in Africa through our public institutions, NGOs and the private sector,” he said, adding that: “Our Africa Initiative and Africa Partnership Policy, which are considered among the most successful initiatives for our foreign policy add value to our relations with the continent. “
Turkey is a major financial partner for African countries and has particularly invested in the Horn of Africa with Somalia as a major recipient. Turkey has the largest overseas military school in Somalia and is considering expanding its territories to the south.
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