Unity against imperialism and colonialism was the main theme, with Erdoğan emphasizing ‘joint development’ under the ‘win-win’ principle, stating ‘we walk to the future together.’

The decline of American hegemony continues to pave the way for the ‘independence of states, liberation of nations, and revolutions of peoples’ in the 21st century. However, this decline is not solely due to internal dynamics within the US. We are entering a new era, the Age of Asia. Specifically looking at Africa, Turkey’s role and responsibilities on the continent were clearly declared by African state leaders during the Africa Summit held on December 18-21.

‘BASED ON EQUAL FOOTING AND THE WIN-WIN PRINCIPLE’

The participation of 41 out of 54 African countries, representing 75% of all countries on the continent, at the Summit is significant. Additionally, 13 of the participants were presidents of their countries. Besides the high attendance, the state leaders shared the rhetoric of the ‘New International Order’ with the global public. The African Union’s current president, President Macky Sall of Senegal, stated:

“The summit went very well for all participating countries. All African leaders were quite satisfied. Today, there is an effective partnership between Turkey and Africa based on equal footing and the win-win principle, but most importantly, Turkey places great importance on mutual respect in its relationship with Africa, which is crucial for African countries.

Africa needs partners like Turkey for its infrastructure needs. During my presidency of the African Union, I will strive to further strengthen our already good relations with President Erdoğan in a way that benefits both Africa and Turkey.

Africa is collaborating with new partners such as China and Turkey, in addition to traditional partners. We’re talking about a vast geography of 30 million square kilometers with a population of 1.3 billion people. This large population requires infrastructure services, but you cannot meet these needs with public assistance alone. Partners like Turkey are needed to make these happen.”

AFRICA IS ABSENT IN UN MANAGEMENT

President Erdoğan’s statements during a meeting with African youth as part of the event were also historically significant. Erdoğan highlighted that Africa is the most oppressed continent and continued:

“Africa is rich. But, openly speaking, you see Europeans coming and taking all the phosphorus, gold, and jewels to their countries. Do they leave anything for you? No. They leave nothing for you. For years, the rich African has been condemned to poverty. It seems they have been plundered and turned inside out, and now they reign in luxury in the world. Who will now reverse this? You will. You will turn around and say, ‘We studied to account for the years, we came, and now we will ask for this account.’ You must say this.”

Erdoğan reiterated the need for reform in the United Nations (UN) structure. The continent, with 1.2 billion people and 54 countries, has almost no influence in the UN. Although Africa is the most represented group in the UN General Assembly with 28%, it has no say in the Security Council on most issues concerning it due to the absence of permanent membership.

SUPPORT FROM ASIA STRENGTHENS INDEPENDENTISTS

The increasing relations of Africa with new partners such as Turkey, Russia, and China, against Western-style colonial relations, and focusing on “joint development” and “development by sharing,” greatly support the decline of imperialism in the region.

This is not only our observation; years ago, in 2014, former US President Obama at the 1st US-Africa Summit stated, “African countries must ensure their minerals do not end up in Shanghai ports,” revealing his intentions.

China is the continent’s largest trading partner, Russia is the largest arms seller with significant historical relations since the USSR era, and Turkey is the country with the fastest diplomatic outreach in the continent. Additionally, considering that 40% of Africa is Muslim, Turkey’s advantage is distinct. The increase from 12 Turkish embassies in Africa in the early 2000s to 42 today and the growth of trade volume from 4 billion dollars in 2008 to nearly 30 billion dollars this year are proofs of the increasing relations between the two sides.

THE FINAL DECLARATION SIGNALS ‘DEVELOPMENT BY SHARING’

The 40-article declaration adopted at the Summit is the clearest indicator of the New International Order. The “Human-Centric Development” section emphasizes continued cooperation in human development through joint activities in health, general and higher education, vocational training, empowerment of youth, promotion of gender equality, science, governance, technology and industry, manufacturing, mining, culture and tourism, agriculture, rural development, environmental protection, and forestry. It also commits to strengthening ties between our nations, especially among our youth, women, artists, athletes, and journalists.

When evaluated alongside Erdoğan’s words, “We want to win together

, develop together, grow together, and increase the welfare of our people together,” it’s clear that a more just and sharing collective will against exploitation has emerged.

HOW DID THE WESTERN MEDIA SEE IT?

The desperation of the West, including the US and France, against the increasing influence of Turkey, China, and Russia on the continent, often discussed in Western media, is evident. French newspaper Le Monde announced the Summit in Turkey as “Turkish breakthrough in Africa.” French state radio RFI commented, “Erdoğan regularly expresses his rejection of the Western approach and embraces the continent without discrimination. Hence, his speech hits the target.”

Similar “fears” prevail in American media. The coverage of the summit by Washington Post and CNN as “Turkey increases defense cooperation with Africa” is noteworthy. The effectiveness of Turkish UAVs and UCAVs against the US-supported terrorist organization Tigre People’s Liberation Front in Ethiopia has been echoed in the US and French media for weeks. Thus, the attendance of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who is targeted by the West, at the summit and his private meeting with Erdoğan sends an important message to the West.

Let’s also note the impact of the Summit in Asia. Turkey’s recent central role in the Organization of Turkic States and now the Africa Summit is being discussed in Russia and China. The statement by AK Party Deputy Chairman Binali Yıldırım on November 25th in Izmir, “Russia and China are also natural members of this community,” was received positively in Russia and China. Turkey finds forces not against but alongside it in both Central and Western Asia and Africa, which are Russia and China. President Erdoğan’s opening speech at the Summit, targeting the West over colonialism, is significant. Turkey finds itself opposed by the US and its allies in the region, with Asian countries by its side.