Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Togo, Turkey
Lomé's turn to succumb to charms of Turkish TB2 combat drones

After success in Niger, Turkey's "drone diplomacy" is continuing to work its magic in West Africa: a few weeks ago, the Togolese army took delivery of a consignment of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones to protect its northern border against incursions by armed groups from Burkina Faso.

Nigeria
Paris keen to help Abuja create light aviation unit

The French armed forces are keen to be involved in the creation of a light aviation unit within the Nigerian Army. There is a chance that Airbus will supply helicopters, but despite Paris' support, competition from Turkey's TAI and Italy's Leonardo remains tough.

Africa, Turkey
Turkish traders play key role in delivering Russian and Ukrainian wheat to Africa

Istanbul traders and food companies are increasingly serving as intermediaries between Russia and the agricultural trading giants, particularly to supply North and East Africa with grain, flour and sunflower oil.

Africa, Guinea
Turkish billionaire Calik's company sets sights on African mines beyond Guinea and DRC

The holding company of Turkish businessman Ahmet Calik, who is said to be close to President Erdogan, is trying to obtain permits in other countries on the continent, having entered the mining sector in Africa via the exploration activities of his company Lidya Madencilik in Guinea and DRC.

Libya
Rome concerned about renewed militia tension

Italy is keeping a close eye on militia movements in Libya in order to anticipate threats to its oil exports. It had to this end sent a defence ministry delegation to Tripoli two days before Fathi Bachagha's attempt to enter the city and oust the prime minister.

Nigeria
Nigeria to purchase ten armed mini-drones from Turkey's Asisguard

Still engaged in discussions with Turkish manufacturer Baykar Makina, producer of TB2 MALE (medium altitude long endurance) combat drones, the Nigerian government has just finalised the order for a batch consisting of ten small armed tactical Songar UAVs from Nigerian group Asisguard.

The New Guard
Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, DRC, Ethiopia, Libya

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence reveals the next generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

SenegalMamadou Fall Kane, presidential oil adviser, branches out into mining

Guinea-BissauSaico Umaro Embaló, the president's nephew and Turkey envoy

DR CongoArthur Omar Kayumba, Tshisekedi's Grand Inga irritant

EthiopiaWintana Shimelis, in charge of the UK's Diageo in Addis

LibyaAhmed al-Sharkasi, the PM's low-key advisor

Spotlight | Libya
Haftar and Dabaiba clans hold secret negotiations in Paris

Belkacem Haftar, the son of General Khalifa Haftar, has been holding secret talks in Paris with the rival clan of Abudlhamid Dabaiba to try to get him to step down as prime minister. The ongoing talks have so far proved fruitless.

Algeria
From social housing to sugar beet: Atlas boss Yunus Dogan sets sights on Saharan agriculture

The Texas-based Turkish-US businessman wants to get into sugar beet cultivation alongside the state-owned Cosider. Ankara will keep a close eye on developments since Dogan is reputed to support Imam Fethullah Gulen, bête noire of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Senegal
Turkey key ally in Casamance military operations

The large-scale military operations carried out over the past two weeks by Senegalese soldiers on the Gambian border against the MFDC separatists have benefited from the strategic alliance between Turkey and Senegal.

DRC, Turkey
Erdogan on official visit to Kinshasa

The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to pay an official visit to Kinshasa from 20 to 22 February.

Africa, Turkey
Scores of African ministers set to join Erdogan in Antalya

No less than a dozen African foreign affairs ministers will travel to Turkey's Antalya Diplomatic Forum, from 11 to 13 March, invited by Recep Tayyip Erdogan.