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Why Erdogan's so quiet about Turkish expansion in Africa

It seems out of character for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be so tight-lipped about Turkey's growing investments and influence in Africa, but he's certain to have a reason.
Sudanís President Omer Al Bashir welcomes Turkey's†President†Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Khartoum Airport, Sudan December 24, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah - RC11612CCC40

As the diplomatic tug-of-war between the United States and Turkey escalates, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is lining up new friends. In early August, Erdogan’s 100-day action plan identified new markets in China, Mexico, India and Russia. It did not mention Africa, despite the “African continent opening” Erdogan sought in the early 2000s.

Frequent headlines in the mainstream media have celebrated Erdogan as "the best friend of Africa.” As president he has visited 21 African countries on more than 30 trips.

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