Turkish President Erdogan discusses regional issues in phone calls with African leaders

What the report says

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held separate phone calls with several African leaders to discuss regional issues, according to Anadolu Agency Africa. The conversations included Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, as well as Mali’s transitional leader Gen. Assimi Goita, the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications said.

In the call with Kagame, Erdogan welcomed efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and reiterated Türkiye’s support for the process. The report indicates that Ankara views de-escalation and dialogue as important in addressing instability in the Great Lakes region, though it did not provide additional details on specific proposals or timelines.

Erdogan also spoke with Goita about bilateral and regional matters, as well as with Tshisekedi about relations between Türkiye and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in addition to regional developments. The contacts highlight Türkiye’s continued diplomatic engagement with African governments on security and political issues, especially where conflict or mediation efforts are under way.

More broadly, phone diplomacy has been a regular tool for Türkiye as it seeks to maintain ties across Africa and position itself as a partner in regional stabilization efforts. The article did not report any new agreements or formal commitments arising from the calls.