The Making of the New Turkish Foreign and Security Policy towards Africa

Abstract

This article examines the reasons and dynamics behind the new Turkish foreign and security policy towards Africa. Turkey became actively involved in African politics after the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002. For instance, it has opened 19 new embassies throughout the continent since 2005 and strengthened its institutional relations with African regional and sub-regional organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This article will seek to answer the question as to why Turkey has changed its foreign and security policy towards Africa since 2002. The main reason is argued to be that the parameters of Turkish Foreign Policy (TFP) have undergone a significant change with the AKP. Importantly, the ruling party aims to develop a multidimensional foreign policy with different regions and continents. In particular, TFP has started to work with various institutions, mechanisms and agencies in Africa in order to play a more active role in African politics. This article will analyse the way TFP has changed in Africa.

Africa Insight Vol 43(1) – June 2013