Turkish Investments in Sudan: Economic Expansion or Political Exploitation?

As Sudan grapples with political and economic instability, Turkey’s growing influence in the country through investment raises concerns over its potential political and ideological motives. Many fear that these investments may be leveraged to support the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that has long been a key factor in Ankara’s ties with certain Sudanese factions.

Increasing Turkish Investments in Sudan

During her participation in the 12th Turkish-African Business Forum, held in Istanbul on February 12-13, Sudanese Minister of Investment and Development Ahlam Madani Mahdi Sabir highlighted the rising interest of Turkish investors in Sudan. She predicted a surge in Turkish investments, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

The minister revealed that bilateral trade between Sudan and Turkey stands at $500 million, with a Turkish delegation recently visiting Sudan to explore investment opportunities, including contributions to the country’s post-war reconstruction efforts.

Economic Partnership or Political Influence?

While these investments are framed as purely economic, analysts warn that Turkey’s engagement in Sudan extends beyond business into political and ideological realms. Over the past decades, Ankara has strengthened its ties with the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, raising questions about the true objectives behind its economic ventures.

Turkey has openly supported Sudanese political factions linked to the Brotherhood, particularly after the fall of Omar al-Bashir’s regime. This has fueled concerns that Turkish investments might serve as a financial and logistical tool to empower certain political groups, rather than contribute to Sudan’s economic recovery.

Risks of Monopoly and Economic Dependency

Beyond political concerns, economic experts caution that Turkey’s expanding footprint in Sudan could lead to monopolization of key industries, putting Sudan’s economy at risk of becoming overly dependent on Ankara.

Turkish investments primarily focus on strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and mining—areas that, if dominated by foreign companies, could grant Ankara significant leverage over Sudan’s economic and political landscape.

Is the Sudanese Government Aware of the Risks?

While Sudan’s government emphasizes its efforts to improve the investment climate and attract foreign capital, the lack of regulatory oversight on foreign investments could enable Ankara to use these economic projects for political influence rather than genuine development.

At a time when Sudan desperately needs neutral, development-focused investments, the true intentions behind Turkey’s increasing economic presence remain under scrutiny. Will these investments genuinely help rebuild Sudan’s economy, or will they serve as a means for Ankara to expand its ideological and political influence in the region?

Conclusion

Turkey’s investments in Sudan present significant economic opportunities but also substantial political risks. Given Ankara’s historical ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, these projects could extend beyond business into the realm of political maneuvering. As Sudan seeks to rebuild, the challenge lies in ensuring that foreign investments serve the Sudanese people’s interests rather than external political agendas.