First Independent Mena Newspaper
East Africa is experiencing a profound geopolitical shift as Gulf states and Turkey expand their influence through infrastructure, energy, and security investments totaling an estimated $75 billion, according to a new report by the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies. This influx is transforming the region’s political and economic landscape, particularly in fragile states like […]
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey’s state-run energy company, TPAO, allowing for extensive geological and geophysical studies in four offshore zones within Libyan waters. The agreement includes a 2D seismic survey spanning 10,000 km, with full data analysis expected within nine months. The deal signifies deepening energy cooperation […]
Morocco and Turkey have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties by addressing long-standing concerns over trade imbalances. During the sixth session of the Joint Commission on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), held in Ankara, both nations agreed to recalibrate their commercial relationship to ensure greater equity and mutual benefit, the two parties said in […]
Morocco is reportedly seeking a re-negotiation of its free trade agreement with Turkey as it seeks more Turkish investments to compensate for an expanding trade deficit, minister delegate in charge of foreign trade Omar Hjira said. The trade deficit with Turkey soared to 3 billion dollars, driven by fabric imports by Morocco’s textile sector. The […]
In a decisive diplomatic move aimed at averting a resurgence of violence in Libya, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Wednesday May 28 that Moscow and Ankara will jointly employ their considerable influence over Libyan factions to prevent the outbreak of renewed hostilities. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Lavrov and Turkish Foreign […]
Turkish explorations offshore Somalia led to the discovery of commercially viable crude oil, estimated at 20 billion barrels. Turkey and Somalia had signed a deal under which Turkey controls 90% of oil and gas output rights. The deal triggered criticism for its unfavorable terms for Somalia, a war-torn and cash-strapped country. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh […]
Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in Ankara this week to reaffirm their countries’ strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced security cooperation and deepening economic ties. The leaders discussed a range of initiatives aimed at bolstering infrastructure, trade, and humanitarian aid, emphasizing Turkey’s role as a critical partner in […]
The United Kingdom’s decision to invite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to an upcoming London conference on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has drawn sharp criticism from Sudan’s army-aligned government. The conference, scheduled for 15 April, aims to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has displaced millions and led to widespread famine. However, the absence […]
A new report by Drone Wars UK has highlighted the alarming rise of military drone strikes across Africa, resulting in nearly 1,000 civilian deaths over the past three years. The report, titled ‘Death on Delivery’, warns that the uncontrolled spread of armed drones, primarily imported from countries like Turkey, China, and Iran, is exacerbating civilian […]
Turkey’s prominent defense company, Baykar, has reportedly violated EU and US sanctions by supplying arms to Sudan’s military, exacerbating the ongoing civil war, according to a Washington Post investigation. The defense giant, known for producing drones, is accused of sending a substantial arms shipment to Sudan between August and November 2023, in what could be […]