• Türkiye's strategic influence is based on non-coercive mutual respect, extending from Somalia to Niger, from Sudan to Burkina Faso, and now it points to the reality that it goes far beyond classical diplomatic rhetoric

The author is a foreign policy researcher at the Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).

ISTANBUL

The 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2025) opened a discussion on whether diplomacy, under the theme of “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” can remain a transformative tool amid the fractures in the global system. The atmosphere of the Forum was set by the words of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who stated at the opening of the ADF 2025, "The world is bigger than five, because humanity is bigger than five," and "A fairer world is possible." In this context, this statement stands out as a vision of diplomacy rooted in justice, rather than a mere slogan. Indeed, this approach draws a concrete direction for how peace and development can be built on the ground in the global order, where the representation crisis is deepening.

Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, who hosted the Forum, redefined diplomacy with his assessment of the nature of multipolarity, saying, "Türkiye aspires to manage multipolarity with wisdom, not with competition." This statement reflects Türkiye’s foreign policy philosophy. This perspective forms the philosophical foundation for the egalitarian and complementary cooperation that Türkiye has developed with many actors in Africa. While the participants of ADF 2025, including leaders, foreign ministers, academics, and think tank representatives, sought solutions to the fragmentation in the global system, Türkiye’s vision for Africa was frequently cited in these discussions.

In these global discussions, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region particularly stood out as areas of both crisis and solutions. The ADF 2025 sessions of these regions were remarkable in terms of Türkiye's foreign policy response on-site.

The on-site response of the diplomatic wisdom: Somalia

Somalia was one of the most frequently discussed countries at ADF 2025. The main reason is that, after decades of instability, the country is now on the path to building a new governance model, development framework, and foreign policy vision. Today, after 56 years, Somalia is trying to move to a one-person, one-vote system, according to the President, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (HSM). The change is not just a technical reform; it means that people will once again have to re-contract with the state.

At the ADF 2025 for Diplomacy meeting, Somalia stands out as a concrete representation of Türkiye’s vision for Africa and a model for success. The president of Somalia demonstrated that his country did not only define itself through security issues. In this context, it has been displayed that Somalia, after prolonged conflict, has not only rebuilt its security but also revived essential public services, and since 2022, more than 6 thousand teachers have been appointed, and hundreds of health personnel have been recruited. The real estate market and private sector investments reveal the true economic scope of this recovery. The evidence shows that Somalia is a state that has entered a promising recovery process.

Of course, Türkiye’s contribution to this process has been pivotal. From the operation of Mogadishu Airport and Mogadishu Port to infrastructure projects, from health investment to investment in local capacity, every area Türkiye touched contributed to Somalia's standing. As noted in President HSM’s speech at the Forum, the "2060" vision, which marks the 100th anniversary of Somalia, has become a strategic roadmap that aligns with Türkiye rather than just a goal.

On the other hand, Türkiye's presence in Somalia is not only about development. Türkiye’s mediation in the Ethiopia-Somalia conflict reflected Türkiye’s diplomatic wisdom in action. The Ankara Declaration, which was signed in this mediation process, became a crucial reference document, not only in terms of regional security but also in terms of regional security architecture. In short, it is seen that Türkiye's contribution to Somalia and the Horn of Africa is embodied by a strategy that meets President Erdogan's emphasis on justice in the field. While the example of Somalia showcases Türkiye’s development diplomacy in action, another key focus at ADF 2025 was the new security paradigm and cooperation vision expressed by the Sahel trio.

Footsteps of a new paradigm in the Sahel: Solidarity, not competition

As ministers of foreign affairs of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were present at the ADF 2025 session, it is not enough to look at the issue of withdrawal from ECOWAS as an organizational break. The three ministers clearly highlight that the process is an actual paradigm shift.

In this context, the ministers shared their achievements during this transformation process. They claimed that they reclaimed 40 percent of their territory and that the security atmosphere has improved with the withdrawal of the French forces. They stated that as of December 2024, they have transitioned to a free movement regime, established a regional market, and built a new economic order. It can be understood that this alliance is not only based on a security bloc, but it is a structure that puts its people, foreign policy, and economy at the center and emphasizes the foundation of a confederative system. Additionally, this new structure has four fundamental principles, such as a sovereign-based political structure, a governance approach that protects the dignity of the people, policies centered on the public interests, and a vision open to Pan-African solidarity.

As observed in the ADF 2025, Africa now aspires to define its development model, its own security, and its own map of international partnerships. The answer to the question of where Türkiye fits in this pursuit has exposed that Türkiye is an element of trust for Africa, as seen in the established contacts in Antalya, the messages given, and the interests shown. Türkiye's strategic influence is based on non-coercive mutual respect, extending from Somalia to Niger, from Sudan to Burkina Faso, and now it points to the reality that it goes far beyond classical diplomatic rhetoric. These multidimensional collaborations with different methods in different countries show that Türkiye is not merely an actor but a partner that builds trust.

On the other hand, it is known that we live in a world of uncertainties. We are currently in a period where rules are being questioned, trust is severely damaged, and diplomacy is often ignored. That's why it's more important than ever to reclaim the rules, build trust, and put diplomacy at the center. At this point, Türkiye stands out for its mutual needs-based foreign policy approach. In an age where interdependence and shared solutions are gaining importance, Türkiye demonstrated at ADF 2025 that it prefers to tackle problems collaboratively and move forward through multilateral cooperation. As seen in the Sahel session, Türkiye’s relationship with the new structures in the region is based on mutual learning and shared experiences. In short, Türkiye is a partner that offers assistance in the spirit of solidarity, designs projects that consider the wishes of the people, and, most importantly, supports solutions that prioritize its partners’ needs over imposing its own agenda. At this point, Türkiye's role is gaining importance again. The countries of the Sahel see Türkiye not only as a military partner but also as a development-friendly strategic partner. There is a common expectation that Türkiye's contribution to the fields of technical equipment, education, health, and infrastructure will increase.

The pursuit of positive transformation in Africa is closely linked to dissatisfaction with the current structures of the international system. ADF 2025 also highlighted Africa's criticism of the global order. The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have been criticized for their lack of response to crises and their reports that do not reflect the reality on the ground. The Sahel countries, in particular, have made it clear that the UN is ignoring progress in security and development. Criticisms of the AU have focused on participation and consultation, emphasizing the incompatibility between the Pan-African ideal and representational practices. Türkiye’s development diplomacy is not limited to projects with central governments but also engages directly with multi-actor structures such as local governments, women’s organizations, and youth movements, creating real responses on the ground. With its field-based, inclusive, and facilitating diplomacy approach, it is positioned as a reliable friend and partner in the eyes of African actors.

Giving meaning to diplomacy

ADF 2025 was a critical milestone that redefined Türkiye's role in Africa. It was a ground where Türkiye's field-based, people-centered, and justice-oriented diplomacy was confirmed. In response to this loss of trust, Türkiye’s development of more inclusive, result-oriented, and locally focused cooperation with regional institutions such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the AU can help transform multilateralism into a functional mechanism, rather than just a principled one. Türkiye’s increased technical and diplomatic cooperation with IGAD and the AU represents a constructive contribution to this crisis of confidence. All these observations revealed that ADF 2025 is not just a forum but an area where a new understanding of diplomacy finds its ground. Türkiye’s rhetoric and actions at this forum were expressions of its multidimensional vision for a fairer order. President Erdogan's statements reveal the need for a governance model that is based on justice in representation and in which the global south is equally represented in decision-making mechanisms. If Türkiye pursues this vision of multidimensional partnership, it will solidify its place as a reliable partner in Africa's future. However, the sustainability of this vision depends on the continuity and inclusiveness of diplomacy, as well as stability on the ground.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu's editorial policy.