The United Nations (UN), established in 1945, currently has 193 official member states out of over 210 countries on the world map. While some countries hold observer status, others are in the process of gaining membership and recognition.
The 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA), themed “Our Common Future,” will take place in New York on September 22-23, 2024. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to focus on the atrocities occurring in Gaza during his address to the assembly. Among the major international issues on the agenda, the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis take precedence. Additionally, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has persisted for two years, is another significant topic for discussion.
A substantial portion of the UNGA’s agenda concerns Africa, aiming to address global political instability and promote peace and sustainable development. Despite its vast natural resources, Africa remains underdeveloped, with poverty and humanitarian crises drawing significant attention, second only to the Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Türkiye’s Strategic Engagement with Africa
Although Africa has 54 member states within the UN, representing 27% of voting rights in the General Assembly, it remains the least represented continent in the organization. The African Union has long campaigned for more substantial representation. Encouraged by President Erdoğan’s slogan, “The World is Bigger than Five,” the African Union has intensified efforts for greater influence. In response, the United States, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has proposed granting two permanent seats to African countries, albeit without veto power. To foster this agenda, Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon, has been elected as the 79th UNGA President. Türkiye’s Strategic Engagement with Africa
While resolutions passed by the UN, particularly the Security Council, may not always be enforceable, as seen with Palestine, the UN remains a powerful platform for raising global awareness and exposing injustices. Türkiye’s Strategic Engagement with Africa
According to the UN Charter, decisions in the General Assembly require a two-thirds majority, underscoring the importance of even the smallest member states. Africa, with its 54 members, holds particular significance, as it is one of the most organized and cohesive regions within the UN. Securing the support of African nations is often one of the most efficient and impactful diplomatic strategies. The interest of major powers such as the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and even Israel in Africa can be attributed, in part, to the influence of these 54 votes within the UN. Israel’s increasing engagement with Africa, particularly in security and defense, is also viewed as a means to secure African support in international forums, including the UN.
Among the countries showing interest in Africa, Türkiye stands out as a unique and sincere partner. President Erdoğan’s personal attention to Africa has yielded significant results over the past two decades. Türkiye’s humanitarian and development-driven approach has redefined its image in the eyes of African nations. The “White Man” narrative has shifted, with many Africans now distinguishing Türkiye as a different, more genuine partner, epitomized by the Anatolian people. This transformation is evident to anyone with ties to Africa.
President Erdoğan’s “The World is Bigger than Five” resonates strongly in Africa. The principle of “win-win” has become a central tenet of Türkiye’s engagement with the continent, fostering equal and mutually beneficial relationships. This approach has contributed to a new diplomatic style that is reshaping Africa’s external relations, much to the frustration of those who resist Türkiye’s influence. Türkiye has become Africa’s new window to the world, with Turkish Airlines playing a key role by expanding the continent’s connectivity.
Investment, trade, education, and healthcare are areas where Türkiye has become indispensable for Africa. Türkiye’s advancements in defense, industry, infrastructure, and transportation have provided a model for African countries. Though this may go unnoticed within Türkiye, Africa often refers to the phrase “like a Turk” as a compliment, acknowledging Türkiye’s role as a source of inspiration.
Despite internal debates in Türkiye, the strategic direction established by President Erdoğan for Africa has not gone unnoticed. Various actors have sought to counterbalance Türkiye’s influence, striving to reassert control over Africa’s future. However, the transformative power of Türkiye’s “Entrepreneurial and Humanitarian Foreign Policy” in the early years of the 21st century is becoming evident, especially in Africa. The significance of Africa’s position within the UN and the attention it receives from permanent members should not be overlooked.
Ömer Faruk DOĞAN
Ankara, September 22, 2024
Türkiye’s Strategic Engagement with Africa
