With France withdrawing its military presence from West Africa and the Sahel, Turkey is poised to take advantage of the ensuing void. President Erdogan has significantly increased Turkey’s diplomatic presence and military partnerships in the region. Although Turkey faces the challenge of overstretch, its competitively priced arms and growing influence signify a shift in regional power dynamics.
Turkey is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the vacuum left by France’s withdrawal from military engagements in West Africa and the Sahel, according to experts. France’s exit, evidenced by its handover of a base in Côte d’Ivoire and troop pullout from Chad, signifies a broader reduction of military presence in the region. International relations expert Federico Donelli asserts that this shift gives rise to new players like Turkey within the African landscape.
Turkish investments in Africa have surged under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has increased the number of embassies on the continent significantly over the past two decades. Erdogan’s strategy includes drawing on shared Islamic ties while reminding African nations of France’s colonial history. As traditional powers like France retreat, Turkey acknowledges the potential for increased engagement in Africa.
Notably, the French military’s struggle against insurgent threats has deteriorated France’s image in the region, creating an opportunity for Turkey to fill the gap. Elem Tepecikoglu from Ankara’s Social Sciences University indicates that Turkey has entered into defense agreements with several Sahelian countries and has reportedly deployed military advisers and drones to Chad.
Recent meetings have focused on strengthening military relations between Turkey and Senegal, as Senegal moves towards removing French troops from its territory. Turkey’s competitively priced and flexible arms sector has made Turkish defense products quite favorable in African markets, leading countries such as Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad to procure Turkish drones and other military equipment.
Despite these advances, Turkey remains a minor actor compared to global powers like Russia, China, and the United States. The competition among these powers may occasionally benefit Turkey, as developing security agreements with a NATO member like Turkey may be seen as less politically risky than aligning with countries such as Russia.
However, the rapid expansion of Turkey’s influence in Africa poses challenges. Experts caution that Turkey’s endeavors could lead to diplomatic overstretch, which could jeopardize its military and economic limitations. Huseyin Bagci, an international relations professor, warns against the risks of overextension, noting that Turkey’s strengthening diplomatic and military footprint must be balanced against its economic realities. In light of these factors, analysts suggest that Turkey may shift towards collaboration over competition in future African engagements.
In conclusion, Turkey is leveraging the decrease of French military influence in Africa to expand its own presence and capitalize on new opportunities. Despite the challenges of overstretch and economic constraints, Turkish ties with African nations are strengthening, particularly through defense agreements. The evolving geopolitical landscape presents both challenges and prospects for Turkey as it navigates expansion while maintaining sustainable diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
