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Türkiye Multilateral Relationship: The Case of East Africa, IGAD, and EAC

The 21st century geopolitical landscape has experienced a significant shift towards multidimensional cooperation and partnerships that transcend traditional borders. Türkiye, with its unique geographic position bridging Europe and Asia, has emerged as a prominent player in fostering diplomatic and economic relationships across continents. In recent years, Türkiye has particularly focused on East Africa, as well as its associations with regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC). This commentary examines the opportunities and challenges that characterize Türkiye’s interactions with these regions, evaluating the potential benefits and areas of friction in advancing these partnerships.

Türkiye Multilateral Relationship The Case of East Africa IGAD and
 

 

 

 

Introduction  

 

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC) are two regional organizations in East Africa, with each comprising different member countries. The IGAD countries have a combined population of 300 million, while the EAC has a population of 162 million. In 1986, IGAD was established, and on November 30, 1999, the Treaty for Establishment of the EAC was signed, coming into effect on July 7, 2000.  

IGAD and EAC are both serving different purposes and have distinct goals. They also have similarities, including both bodies working towards regional integration and addressing issues like forced displacement and economic challenges within their respective areas. Additionally, they overlap in membership, which can facilitate collaboration. These countries collaborate on various issues, including peace and security, economic development, and humanitarian assistance within the region. IGAD is composed of 8 member states, namely, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. On the other hand, EAC currently has 8 member states. These are Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The most recent development is Somalia’s admission to EAC. Somalia was officially admitted into EAC on November 24, 2023, and became a full member on March 4, 2024.

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