A Silent Game in Addis Ababa: Is Cyprus Targeting Türkiye in Africa?

Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos visited Addis Ababa to strengthen ties with Ethiopia. Although officially described as a diplomatic visit, analysts see it as part of a broader move to challenge Türkiye’s influence in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Türkiye’s Role in Ethiopia
Türkiye has maintained a balanced, non-interventionist policy toward Ethiopia, supporting its sovereignty and mediating peace between Ethiopia and Somalia. Through humanitarian aid, drones, and infrastructure projects, Türkiye has become a reliable partner promoting regional stability and development.

Cyprus’s Motives and Regional Context
Ethiopia remains fragile after internal conflicts. Cyprus’s sudden diplomatic interest is viewed as an attempt to:

• Gain African support against Türkiye in Eastern Mediterranean disputes,
• Weaken Ethiopia–Türkiye ties, and
• Extend its growing cooperation with Israel into Africa.

Israel–Cyprus Axis
Cyprus has deepened its military and energy partnership with Israel:

• Acquired Israeli Barak MX air defense systems, viewed by Türkiye as a threat.
• Participated in joint drills (Noble Dina 2025) with Israel and Greece.
• Advanced gas pipeline projects that bypass Türkiye.

These moves are interpreted as efforts to contain Türkiye’s influence and exclude it from regional energy networks.

Implications for Ethiopia
The paper warns that Ethiopia risks losing Türkiye’s trust and regional credibility if it aligns with Cyprus’s anti-Türkiye strategy. Supporting Israeli-Cypriot initiatives could also harm Ethiopia’s neutrality and relations with African and Arab nations.
Kombos’s visit symbolizes a subtle but significant geopolitical shift. Ethiopia is urged to remain neutral and avoid becoming entangled in power games targeting Türkiye, whose consistent diplomacy and peace efforts have benefited the Horn of Africa.