As the era of the unipolar world comes to an end with the rise of China, Russia, and Turkey, Africa is finding new partners and foreign policy alternatives. Dismayed by the western interventions and babysitting roles, the 1.3 billion population continent is looking for a reliable friend in Asia and the Middle East. Over the years, Africa’s relations with Russia, China and Turkey, and the Middle East countries saw elevation. In recent times, Africa strengthens its ties with Turkey in economic, military, and other spheres.
Partly, the cooperation between Africa and Turkey is aimed at increasing their impact and participation in global frontiers. In this regard as Africa pushes for a permanent UNSC seat, Turkey shows its support to the continent’s quest officially with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Reccip saying it is a “great injustice” that the African continent, with its population of 1.3 billion, is not represented at the UN Security Council.
Last week, the Third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit took place in Istanbul where the leaders of African nations and Turkey agreed to boost their partnership and cooperation in peace and security, as well as infrastructure investments in Africa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) who participated at the summit praised the Turkish President for supporting mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkey and African nations.
The Premier attended the two-day 3rd Turkey–Africa Partnership summit hosted by Turkey and organized under the theme: “Enhanced Partnership for Common Development and Prosperity.”
In his twitted message, Abiy stated that he commend President Erdogan for sustaining a platform that continues to advance and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkey and African countries.
During the Summit, President Erdogan promised that it will work to enhance its cooperation with African countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
The President also stated that Turkey has re-examined its relations with African countries since 2005, and this strengthens Turkey’s relationship with Africa. “We work to make the connection a win-win situation for everyone, and we grow our relations with Africa by always rejecting practices that hurt the continent, are unfair and self-interested,” he indicated.
Politically, Turkey has been standing by the side of Africa in opposing unfair foreign intervention in Africa. Being also a victim of foreign intervention, Turkey has been supporting the Ethiopian people in their effort to fend off foreign intervention at global stages.
Speaking at a Ministerial Meeting of Turkey – Africa Partnership Summit ,Foreign Affairs State Minister Redwan Hussien underscored the growing constructive engagement of Turkey in Africa since the inception of the Turkey – Africa Partnership based on mutual benefit, mutual trust, and respect. He also appreciated the active role of Turkey in Africa’s foreign direct investment, human resource development, and infrastructure, which would contribute to Africa’s economic and social development, as per the Agenda 2063 of the African Union, according to MoF.
The State Minister called upon Turkey and other partners to support Africa’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery in the areas of agricultural modernization, industrialization, infrastructure deve lopment, and technology transfer.
He also briefed the Turkish side on the current situation in the Northern part of Ethiopia, the efforts made by the Ethiopian government to avoid the conflict and ensure unfettered access to humanitarian assistance. The State Minister explained the challenges Ethiopia had faced due to the belligerent nature of the TPLF and the current state of the situation.
He also informed his Turkish counterpart that the government is establishing a National Dialogue Commission to perform a nationwide inclusive dialogue.
He said Turkey would support the AU-led peace effort and the role of AU’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo. Both sides also discussed cooperation on foreign direct investment and capacity building.
In an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Lecturer of Diplomacy and International Relations at Civil Service University Endale Nigussie said, “The growing relations between Ethiopia and Turkey is a wakeup call for the westerners that maintain unjustified pressure against Ethiopia and is also a sign for the western world to revise their foreign policy. Turkey is among the countries which resisted western pressure and successfully countered external pressure. So, Ethiopia needs to draw a lesson from Turkey and keep fighting not to negotiate over the national interest so as to be successful, he added.
“Ethiopia needs to draw a lesson from the Turkey experience of unwavering stance in countering the west’s coordinated conspiracies by overcoming political, financial and others through unity and solidarity.”
Since the inception of the reform, Ethiopia did many things which send a big message for the rest of the world by heralding a new dawn of political changes in the region and beyond.
Turkey stands with Africa and Ethiopia at a time when the westerners and other international organizations are exerting unjustified pressure on Ethiopia.
On the other hand, as Ethiopia is under reform process and Turkey’s support have a very significant impact in meeting Ethiopia’s reform process to the highest level and it is an indication that Ethiopia’s foreign policy is on the right track.
Historian, Assistant Professor Adam Kamil for his part said that Turkey is among one of the influential countries in the world and the relation between Ethiopia and Turkey is very important to ensure peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The intrigue posed by domestic and foreign actors is putting Ethiopia’s security and democratic process to the test. Managing the country’s challenges needs the support of countries like Turkey. Though mainly rests on the shoulder of Ethiopians, achieving democratic transitions requires diplomatic engagement and collaborating with external partners.
“The diplomatic relation will play a significant role in securing the interests of Ethiopia in the region and beyond.”
Ethiopia has a long history of maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The region suffers from various security problems with the major terrorist threat coming from Al-Shabaab militants. And Ethiopia played a prominent role in fighting against terrorism in the region and beyond, he added.
There is frequent conflict and instability in the Horn of Africa region and undoubtedly, Ethiopia is located at a geographically strategic place, and the second-most populous country in the region, enjoying good relations with neighboring countries in this region. Turkey will play a significant role in the country by helping strengthen peace and stability as a reliable partner of Ethiopia.
It is reported that Turkey’s footprint in Africa is growing ever bigger. In two decades it has opened thirty more embassies and its trade volume has gone up nearly fivefold in the same length of time.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD DECEMBER 21/2021
