Africa-Press – Rwanda. Türkiye is steadily expanding its influence across Africa through a blend of diplomacy, military cooperation, and development initiatives, positioning itself as a strategic alternative to traditional powers like France and the United States.
At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held from 11-13 April, African leaders, including Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, gathered with Turkish officials, highlighting Ankara’s rising clout.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has capitalized on opportunities created by the West’s retreat, forging defense partnerships and mediating regional conflicts, such as the recent détente between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Analysts say Ankara’s approach — grounded in diplomacy, military cooperation, and development — is resonating. “African countries are looking for alternatives, and Türkiye represents one of those options,” said Nigerian expert Eghosa Osaghae.
With Western powers like France losing influence, Türkiye is presenting itself as a pragmatic partner, offering affordable defense technologies and conflict mediation.
“The good thing is that many African countries already have military cooperation with Turkiye. And that can be the building block for Turkish influence,” Eghosa Osaghae added.
Ankara has signed defense agreements with nations like Kenya, Libya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, boosting its defense industry through the export of affordable drones.
In a major economic development, Türkiye and Somalia signed a landmark oil and gas exploration deal last week, allowing Turkish Petroleum Corporation to conduct seismic studies across 16,000 square kilometers.
Somalia’s oil minister hailed the agreement as a “historic day” for bilateral energy ties and labelled Türkiye “a key ally”. Türkiye’s growing role extends beyond security and energy.
From building the largest embassy in Africa in Mogadishu to running Somalia’s main airport and offering education scholarships, Türkiye’s footprint is both broad and strategic.
Still, African leaders urge balanced engagement. “We must be very careful that we do not create a new scramble for Africa, that can generate more problems like in the past,” warned Kenya’s foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi.
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