Erdoğan to Visit UAE and Ethiopia Amid Rising Horn of Africa Tensions

As tensions in the Horn of Africa draw increasing attention from Western and Middle Eastern powers, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to visit two key countries in the region this week.

According to his office, President Erdoğan will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, February 16, 2026, followed by a visit to Ethiopia on Tuesday. He is scheduled to hold talks with the leaders of both nations.

Turkey, which maintains close ties with Ethiopia, has expanded its influence across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia in recent years. With growing involvement in trade, investment, and military affairs, Ankara is increasingly positioning itself as a mediator in efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace.

Led by the President and the Foreign Minister, Turkey’s diplomatic initiatives have focused on major international disputes and issues of global concern. Erdoğan’s upcoming visits are expected to include discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional and international developments, and the signing of several agreements.

In Abu Dhabi, Erdoğan is expected to meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss strengthening ties between Turkey and the UAE, alongside broader regional matters. On Tuesday, he will arrive in Addis Ababa at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, where he is expected to sign multiple agreements and documents, according to the Communications Bureau.

The visits come amid heightened regional attention due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. Earlier this month, Turkey’s ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, reaffirmed Ankara’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, a recent Reuters investigation reported that the Ethiopian government has been providing training and support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at a military camp in Benishangul Gumuz, funded by the United Arab Emirates. Although not officially confirmed, discussions on Sudan’s civil war—an issue of concern for all three countries—are expected to feature prominently, alongside matters related to Somalia.