We are pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of Insight Turkey, which provides a comprehensive analysis of Türkiye-Africa relations and political dynamics. This edition thoroughly examines Türkiye’s evolving policy toward Africa, with a focus on its regional ties, engagement with African organizations, and the dynamics of bilateral partnerships. Additionally, it analyzes the ongoing war in Gaza, tracing events since October 7 and offering in-depth discussions of the complexities surrounding the conflict.
This issue examines Türkiye-Africa relations from multiple perspectives. Mesut Özcan and Mehmet Köse present a general framework, focusing on the bipartisan and pragmatic approach that has shaped Türkiye’s Africa policy from a historical perspective. Furthermore, Hasan Aydın and Yi Liu compare the alternative strategies employed by China and Türkiye in Africa, contrasting them with Western approaches. The issue also focuses on Türkiye’s bilateral relations with African states. Specifically, Zainul Abideen Jibril highlights the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Nigeria.
When considering Türkiye-Africa relations, it is essential to focus not only on bilateral relations but also on Türkiye’s engagement with regional organizations. Ibrahim Mulushewa Eshete examines Türkiye’s expanding influence in East Africa, with particular attention to its partnerships with organizations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC). Abdullah Imam Haruna explores Türkiye’s engagement with regional blocs in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Ahmed Badawi Mustapha analyzes Türkiye’s relations with the Alliance of Sahel States. These research articles provide a deeper understanding of Türkiye’s increasing engagement across the African continent.
Tunç Demirtaş and Ferhat Pirinççi examine Türkiye’s comprehensive security strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, Kaan Devecioğlu investigates Türkiye’s humanitarian diplomacy in Africa, while Gökhan Kavak contributes an analysis of Türkiye’s media relations in the region.
Finally, the issue concludes with three commentaries addressing the ongoing Gaza conflict. Ramzy Baroud underscores Africa’s solidarity with Palestine, contrasting it with the relative silence of several Arab states. Sadeq Abu Amr explores the internal dynamics of Hamas, while Barbara Slavin provides an analysis of Iran’s strategic responses to the Gaza conflict and their potential impact on U.S.-Iran relations.
Overall, this edition offers a comprehensive review of Türkiye’s Africa policy and presents insightful commentary on the Gaza conflict, offering readers diverse perspectives on both topics.