Turkey’s Strategic Embrace of Africa: A New Chapter in Global Partnership
In recent years, Turkey’s foreign policy towards Africa has seen a remarkable transformation under the guidance of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This diplomatic evolution marks a profound shift towards a more inclusive partnership model with African nations, distinguishing Turkey’s approach from the exploitative footprints left by colonial powers.
The Audacity of a Visit: Seeds of a New Relationship
In 2011, a pivotal moment unfolded when President Erdoğan visited Somalia, a nation teetering on the brink of collapse amidst severe droughts. Accompanied by his family and a delegation of ministers, Erdoğan’s visit was not just symbolic but catalytic, sparking a global reevaluation of Somalia’s plight. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, described the visit as a “turning point” that upgraded relations to a strategic dimension. “In those days, Somalia was cut off from the world,” Nur said, reflecting on a dark past now illuminated by a promising future.
Nur credited Turkey with playing a crucial role in Somalia’s reconstruction and continued development. “We have continuously progressed; Turkey has always stood by Somalia,” he emphasized, highlighting fields of cooperation ranging from humanitarian aid to strategic sectors such as oil, fisheries, and even space exploration. “Türkiye’s presence in Somalia brings joy not only to the Somali people but also to all friendly nations,” he added.
From Humanitarian Aid to Strategic Alliances
Another voice from Somalia, Mohamed Dhuubow, Director of the Somali Investment Promotion Office, noted the evolution of Turkish-Somali relations. “The 2011 visit was for humanitarian assistance, but the second visit in 2016 was a development mission,” he said. Turkish Airlines’ flights to Mogadishu and Turkish investments in infrastructure catalyzed economic transformations in Somalia. “Today, Turkish investors are active in sectors from banking to construction,” Dhuubow remarked, pointing to Somalia’s newly implemented company laws encouraging foreign investment.
This partnership extends beyond aid, embedding Turkish entities in the very fabric of Somali society. Turkish companies and institutions are now integral to Somalia’s socio-economic landscape, symbolizing a blueprint for Turkey’s broader African initiative.
A Continental Approach: Sudan’s Aspiration
The resonance of Turkey’s policy is echoed in Sudan, where former Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq commended Turkey’s supportive role, especially for displaced refugees. Emphasizing Africa’s historical exploitation by Western powers, al-Sadiq asserted, “The time has come for African nations to take control of their destinies.” He sees Turkey as a pivotal partner in Sudan’s reconstruction, leveraging its expertise in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
With ongoing strategic conversations, al-Sadiq expressed Sudan’s desire to enhance Turkish-Sudanese cooperation, particularly through initiatives like the proposed transportation corridor. “Peace has been restored in nearly three-quarters of Sudan,” he noted, urging for immediate strategic collaboration.
A Future Shaped by Collaboration
The burgeoning partnerships between Turkey and African nations like Somalia and Sudan underscore a significant trend: a shifting geopolitical landscape where collaborative relationships can replace age-old inequalities. Turkey’s approach offers a glimpse into a more balanced, mutually beneficial future for Africa and its global partners.
Can Turkey’s evolving role in Africa inspire other nations to adopt similar paradigms of engagement? Will this reimagined partnership truly reshape Africa’s interactions with the world, moving away from past shadows toward a future of empowerment and equality? The story of Turkey’s engagement with Africa is just beginning, and its chapters promise to redefine international relations on the continent.
As these alliances deepen, they invite a reflection on the changing dynamics of global partnerships, urging a reconsideration of how nations relate and collaborate across borders and cultures.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
