The Gülen Movement in Africa: From Turkish Transnational Asset to Anti-State Lobby

The growing involvement in Africa was one of the innovative features introduced into Turkish foreign policy by the Justice and Development Party (JDP). A pivotal role in fostering the opening process towards African countries has been played by non-state and transnational actors such as faith-based groups, NGOs, and other forms of citizen-based entities. Among these, the Gülen movement has conducted for several years Turkish public diplomacy in Africa through a variety of activities. A policy that has allowed the movement to increase its presence in several African countries, becoming established mostly amongst the local elites. As a result, the post-15 July failed coup forced the Turkish state to counter the gülenist network in Africa as well, developing new tools for its own transnationalization on the ground.