The panel titled "National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July", organised by our Directorate as part of the panel series marking 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day, was held in Pretoria, the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa.
The event, which garnered the interest of many academics, journalists, politicians, and diplomats, focused on the coup attempt by the Fetullah Gülen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) on the night of July 15, 2016, which targeted the constitutional order and the resistance of the Turkish people. The programme began with a screening of the thematic video "15 July: Will of the Nation, Victory of Democracy".
Following the screening of the thematic video, the programme continued with the opening remarks by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Pretoria, Kezban Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç. In her remarks, she noted that the process leading up to the 15 July coup attempt had been shaped by FETO's systematic infiltration of state institutions. She stressed that democratic societies must remain constantly vigilant against structures that exploit fundamental rights and freedoms and underscored that the lessons of 15 July carry universal significance for all democracies.
The opening remarks were followed by a special video message from the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, prepared exclusively for the programme, which was presented to the audience.
In his video message, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran emphasised that Türkiye possesses the strength and determination to counter all threats targeting its sovereignty and independence. Noting that FETO poses a security threat not only to Türkiye but also to all countries in which it operates, Duran underscored the importance of friendly and allied countries acting in solidarity with Türkiye in countering the terrorist organisation.
Head of Communications Duran noted that 15 July offers valuable lessons for the international community in countering hybrid threats, disinformation and crises of truth and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and solidarity in addressing global challenges while fostering a fairer international order.
The programme continued with the panel titled "National Will and Democratic Resilience: The 10th Anniversary of 15 July". The panel was moderated by TRT World Programmes Manager Mark Klusener. The speakers included AK Party Konya MP Ziya Altunyaldız, Prof Muharrem Kılıç of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, University of Pretoria faculty member Sandile Moloi, and Leading Like Mandela Institute Chief Executive Officer Liaqat Azam.
Panel moderator Mark Klusener noted that it was particularly meaningful to come together in South Africa, a country whose own historical experience demonstrates the enduring importance of democracy, constitutional governance, and national reconciliation. He emphasised that although the historical experiences of the two countries differ, they remind us of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and of societies drawing strength from solidarity and a shared sense of purpose in the face of major challenges.
Delivering the first address of the panel, AK Party Konya MP Ziya Altunyaldız stated that the 15 July coup attempt was thwarted thanks to the Turkish nation's commitment to democracy and the determined resistance of citizens who took to the streets in response to the call of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He noted that this struggle demonstrated the strength of democratic legitimacy to the entire world. Altunyaldız also stated that, due to its structure based on infiltrating state institutions, FETO poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law in every country where it operates. He emphasised that the fight against the terrorist organisation is a shared democratic responsibility requiring international solidarity.
Taking the floor later in the panel, Prof Muharrem Kılıç stated that coups are not only attacks on the constitutional order but also serious threats to human rights. Emphasising that the failed coup attempt of 15 July once again demonstrated the vital importance of constitutional resilience, Kılıç underlined that such resilience depends not only on strong institutions but also on a commitment to democracy and an active sense of citizenship.
Speaking next, Leading Like Mandela Institute Chief Executive Officer Liaqat Alli Azam stated that the July 15 coup attempt was an attack on the will of the people and the democratic order. He emphasised that the resistance demonstrated by the Turkish nation reflected the strength of the national will and that the lessons drawn from this experience carry universal significance for all democratic societies.
The panel’s final speaker, Sandile Moloi, stated that the 15 July coup attempt was a global threat targeting not only Türkiye but also democratic values. He emphasised that FETO’s activities, particularly in Africa, pose risks to democracy and security for all countries.
The programme also featured a photo exhibition on the 15 July coup attempt, which was opened to participants. The programme ended with the screening of the film ''15/07 Break of Dawn.''