Erdogan urges Gaza rebuilding and criticizes West's approach to Africa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the urgent need for reconstruction and healing in Gaza during his address at the 5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul on Friday. While acknowledging the current agreement between Hamas and Israel, President Erdogan maintained a cautious stance, noting, "Due to Israel’s poor record, we remain wary as Gaza urgently needs to heal and rebuild."

Active Diplomacy for Lasting Peace

President Erdogan detailed Türkiye's ongoing diplomatic efforts to solidify the current truce. He affirmed that Ankara is conducting "intensive efforts to ensure that the Hamas-Israel agreement lasts and paves the way for lasting peace," positioning Türkiye as an active participant in regional stability initiatives.

Concern for Sudan and International Inaction

Shifting focus to another conflict zone, the President expressed profound sorrow over the ongoing clashes in Sudan. He voiced hope for a swift ceasefire and sustainable peace in the African nation, while sharply criticizing the international community for its insufficient attention to the tragedy. He asserted that "ending the bloodshed is everyone’s humanitarian duty."

Critique of Western Perspectives on Africa

President Erdogan delivered a broader critique of how global powers perceive African conflicts. He argued that the "Western world, unfortunately, sees civil wars, conflicts, and disputes in Africa as the continent’s destiny," implicitly contrasting this perspective with Türkiye's partnership-based approach to engagement with African nations.