Turkey has expressed deep sorrow over the escalating conflict in Sudan and called for an immediate ceasefire.

The Turkey-Africa Media Forum has commenced in Istanbul, organized by Turkey’s Communications Directorate, to enhance media relations between Turkey and Africa and to promote a more accurate and balanced depiction of Africa in global news.

Turkish President Erdogan told French President Macron that relocating Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan, or a third country is unacceptable.

Gambian Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay emphasizes Turkey’s strong relations with Gambia, highlighting cultural exchanges and mutual cooperation in media, defense, and investments.

The workshop in Istanbul explored the humanitarian and political dimensions of the Sudan crisis, offering new perspectives on how to move toward peace and how Turkey could help mediate solutions.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola in Johannesburg to discuss bilateral trade, investment opportunities, potential defense industry cooperation.

The TRNC also urged the Greek Cypriot leader to abandon actions that could escalate tensions in the region.

Sudan is becoming a top destination for Turkish investors, with major opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

Turkey is committed to enhancing its trade and economic ties with eastern and southern Africa, focusing on cooperation in various sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and mining.

Turkish exports to Africa reached $19.4 billion in 2024, a 1.7% year-on-year increase, with Egypt being the top recipient and chemicals and chemical products leading the export sectors.

A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday at the 12-story Grand Kartal hotel in northwestern Turkey, killing at least 76 people, including two who jumped to escape the flames, officials said. The blaze, which occurred during a school holiday at the popular ski resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, also left 51 others injured. The fire broke out around 3:27 a.m. at the hotel, which was packed with guests during the start of the two-week winter school break. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 45 of the victims had been identified, with recovery efforts continuing for the remaining bodies. “We are heartbroken. Those responsible will face justice,” Yerlikaya said. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with guests on the upper floors attempting to escape, some using sheets to climb down or jumping from windows. “People were screaming, some tried to jump,” said Atakan Yelkovan, a guest on the third floor. The hotel had 238 registered guests at the time. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that one person was in serious condition, while 17 others were treated and released. Emergency teams are set to conduct a final search for victims.

At least 10 people were killed and 32 hospitalized in a fire that broke out at a 12-story hotel in a popular ski resort in northwestern Turkey.

Turkey’s TPAO has expressed its readiness to invest billions of dollars in Libya’s energy sector, citing the country’s significant potential.

The Chadian Foreign Minister and the Turkish Ambassador met to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and security.

A baby gorilla rescued from a plane’s cargo hold is recovering at an Istanbul zoo while wildlife officials consider whether he can be returned to his natural habitat. The case also highlights the issue of illegal animal trafficking through the city’s busy airports. The five-month-old gorilla, named Zeytin (meaning “Olive”), was discovered in a box on a Turkish Airlines flight from Nigeria to Thailand last month. He is now being cared for at Polonezkoy Zoo, where he is recovering from the traumatic journey. Fahrettin Ulu, director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, said on Sunday, “We hope the baby gorilla can return to his homeland. The most important thing is ensuring a safe environment for him.” Since his rescue, Zeytin has been gaining weight and becoming more active. “When he first arrived, he was very shy and stayed in one spot,” said veterinarian Gulfem Esmen. “Now he’s more confident and enjoys playing on his own.” Both western and eastern gorillas, native to central Africa’s forests and mountains, are endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Istanbul’s airports are increasingly being used for smuggling wildlife. In October, customs officials at Sabiha Gokcen Airport discovered 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards hidden in a passenger’s luggage.

A high-level meeting between Ethiopian and Turkish officials highlighted growing bilateral ties and investment opportunities. Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Misganu Arega met Turkey’s Ambassador to Addis Ababa, Berk Baran, on Thursday, underscoring Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms as key to attracting Turkish investors. Arega pointed to recent policy changes, such as floating Ethiopia’s foreign exchange rate and welcoming foreign banks, as transformative steps. He emphasized the potential for Turkish companies to capitalize on Ethiopia’s improving investment climate. State media reported that Arega also highlighted the Ankara Declaration, a Turkish-mediated agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia. This pact ensures Ethiopia’s access to the sea while preserving Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. Baran praised the Ankara Declaration as a testament to regional collaboration. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia. In a separate development, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, Somalia’s Director General of Immigration Affairs, met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktas. Dhuhulow expressed gratitude for Turkey’s unwavering support in Somalia’s rebuilding efforts. The discussions underscored Turkey’s role as a strategic partner in East Africa, fostering economic and political stability in the region. Ethiopia’s recent reforms signal a new era of economic liberalization, with officials hoping to attract diverse global investors, especially from Turkey. This meeting marks a significant step in enhancing the relationship between Ethiopia and Turkey, built on mutual interests and shared regional goals.

Tens of thousands gathered at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge on New Year’s Day to express solidarity with Palestine. Participants marched from mosques across the historic peninsula and beyond after early morning prayers, carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags. The event was organized by the National Will Platform, a coalition of 308 NGOs. The demonstrators prayed for an end to the Israeli massacre in Palestine before assembling on the bridge, which spans the iconic Golden Horn, to demand international action against the ongoing atrocities. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Murderer Israel will be held accountable” and “Martyrs do not die.” The Israeli army has waged a genocidal war on Gaza, killing over 45,500 people, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Turkey expressed its condolences to Ethiopia following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of at least 71 people in the southern Sidama region.

Turkey’s TIKA contributes significantly to a South Sudan orphanage by delivering food aid for 250 children, reinforcing its dedication to humanitarian assistance during challenging times.

Turkey’s Ambassador to Khartoum has emphasized the strong historical ties between Turkey and Sudan and reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to supporting the Sudanese people.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held pivotal talks with Egyptian and Iranian officials in Cairo during the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers, emphasizing regional cooperation and diplomacy.

Turkey’s ambassador to Mauritania, Burhan Koroglu, was appointed acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus to temporarily lead the mission.

Somali and Ethiopian leaders sign peace deal after Erdogan’s mediation in Ankara, says African Union.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced late Wednesday that Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement to solve the conflict between the two nations in Ankara-mediated peace talks. “We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace, cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia,” President Erdogan said at a joint news conference with his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with hosting his guests and their delegations in Türkiye. He noted that the Ankara Process, initiated approximately eight months ago due to the trust Somalia and Ethiopia placed in Türkiye, had reached a significant milestone. “Thus, by overcoming certain grievances and misunderstandings together, we have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” he said. “We carefully listened to the sensitivities, priorities and expectations of both parties throughout this process. With the valuable contributions of both countries, we have prepared the joint declaration text agreed upon today.” Erdogan emphasized that despite having faced numerous injustices and serious conflicts in the past, the region where Somalia and Ethiopia are located has also experienced bright periods in history and made significant contributions to humanity. “This joint declaration focuses not on the past, but on the future, recording the principles that these two friendly nations will build upon moving forward, which is of great importance to us,” he said. Ankara’s fundamental expectation is to establish peace and stability “in this distinguished corner” of Africa between Somalia and Ethiopia, he added. Türkiye believes the agreed-upon joint statement by Somalia and Ethiopia will establish a solid foundation for cooperation and prosperity based on mutual respect, he said. Erdogan said that Türkiye, Somalia and Ethiopia will plan future steps together and implement projects to boost regional peace and prosperity. He also praised Somalia’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister for “reaching this historic reconciliation with great dedication” during the Ankara-mediated peace talks. The Turkish president also expressed his gratitude to Mohamud and Ahmed. He said he believes Mohamud will provide the necessary attention, care and support, particularly in line with Ethiopia’s requests for access to the sea. “This world is enough for all of us. Together, we will undoubtedly secure our place here, and we will take these steps together,” he said. Ahmed hailed Türkiye for its efforts in resolving the Somalia-Ethiopia conflict during the talks. Mohamud also hailed Türkiye’s efforts in resolving the perennial territorial and political conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia. Ties between Ethiopia and Somalia have worsened since Ethiopia struck a deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland on Jan. 1 to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has been working to end tensions between the two countries. Ethiopia lost its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s after the Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted from 1961 to 1991. In 1991, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia, leading to the establishment of two separate nations. The separation resulted in Ethiopia losing direct access to the Red Sea and key ports. Ethiopia has since been landlocked, affecting its ability to conduct efficient maritime trade.