Cameroon–Turkey relations

Relations were initially tense^[1] between Turkey and Cameroon under President Ahidjo,^[1] who used the police and security apparatus to eliminate people who were perceived to be his enemies.^[1] Relations with Turkey improved considerably with Cameroon under Biya, who attempted to develop a freer and more democratic Cameroon with more freedom of speech and press. During this time, Turkey assisted Cameroon in building schools,^[2] which contributed to the fact that relative to many African countries, Cameroon has a much higher proportion^[2] of children in school. However, relations worsened after the crackdown on dissent following the 1984 coup attempt.^[3]

Following the decline in prices and demand in petroleum, Cameroon's economy which is highly dependent on export of petroleum, deteriorated rapidly. By 1987, Cameroon became a Heavily indebted poor countries, which allowed access to additional funds.^[4] Turkey joined the IMF, the World Bank, and other aid-giving countries in providing economic assistance to Cameroon.^[5]

• Trade volume between the two countries was 205 million USD in 2018 (Turkish exports/imports: 151/54 million USD).^[6]
• There are direct flights daily from Istanbul to Douala and Yaoundé.^[6]

• Turkish Maarif Foundation runs schools in Cameroon.^[6]

• Foreign relations of Cameroon
• Foreign relations of Turkey