Turkey has expressed its readiness to mediate in the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), offering comprehensive support for a peaceful resolution. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the offer after a state visit with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame on Thursday. The two leaders discussed various issues, including trade, investments, energy, defense, education, and cultural relations.
During their meeting, Erdogan emphasized the strong economic ties between Turkey and Rwanda, noting that Turkish companies account for 13 percent of Rwanda’s foreign investments. He also expressed optimism about increasing Turkish investment in Rwanda, which would contribute to the country’s development goals. “It is promising for the future of our relations that our country ranks among the top countries in Rwanda’s foreign trade,” Erdogan remarked.
The visit comes amid growing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations, despite previous tensions over the issue of Fethullah Gulen, the exiled cleric accused by Erdogan of orchestrating a failed coup in 2016. At the time, Turkey pressured Rwanda to close schools and institutions linked to Gulen, and Rwanda subsequently expelled individuals associated with him.
Erdogan acknowledged Rwanda’s support in Turkey’s fight against Gulen’s movement, saying, “Rwanda is one of the countries to have extended support to our fight against Fethullah.”
As the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC continues to escalate, Turkey’s offer to mediate signals its growing diplomatic influence in the African region, further strengthening ties with Rwanda while positioning itself as a key player in African peace efforts.
References:
- Al Jazeera
- Turkish Government
- Reuters
