As France reduces its military presence in Africa, Turkey is strategically poised to expand its influence by filling the void. President Erdoğan’s investments and Turkey’s arms exports are key elements in this shift, while caution is advised regarding resource management and potential diplomatic overstretch.
In light of France’s recent military pullout from the Sahel and West Africa, experts suggest that Turkey is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on this vacuum. While Turkey benefits from its NATO membership and robust arms export capabilities, analysts caution that it must avoid overstretching its resources across the continent. France’s withdrawal is part of a broader strategy to reduce its military footprint in the region, which includes the closure of its base in Côte d’Ivoire and its exit from Chad in January.
According to Federico Donelli, an international relations expert, this marks a transformational phase where traditional powers like France are downsizing their engagements not due to constraints but due to local pressures for withdrawal. As Donelli notes, Turkey’s entry into Africa has been facilitated by President Erdoğan’s strategic investments, significantly increasing Turkey’s diplomatic presence and leveraging historical grievances against France to resonate with African audiences.
Elem Tepecikoglu from Ankara’s Social Sciences University highlights that Turkey’s opportunity stems from France’s inability to effectively address insurgent threats in the Sahel. Criticism of French military operations has opened doors for other nations, including Turkey, to establish defense partnerships with Sahelian countries, where they are now deploying military advisers and advanced equipment.
Military relations between Senegal and Turkey were strengthened during a recent Istanbul meeting, which coincided with Senegal’s push to expel French forces. Turkey’s defense industry has gained traction in Africa by offering competitive pricing on weaponry without stringent use restrictions, attracting multiple Sahelian nations like Nigeria and Mali to acquire Turkish drones and military hardware.
Despite Turkey’s rising influence, it remains a relatively small actor compared to powers like Russia and China. Donelli argues that Turkey’s relations with African states are politically less risky due to its NATO ties, positioning it as a desirable ally compared to Russia. However, rapid expansion in Africa presents challenges; Huseyin Bagci warns of the dangers of diplomatic overstretch, indicating that Turkey’s military and economic resources are limited, and unsustainable expansion could be detrimental.
With Turkey’s economy facing difficulties, there are indications it may prioritize cooperation over competition in Africa moving forward, aiming to stabilize its international relations and foster potential partnerships rather than fuel rivalries.
Overall, Turkey is poised to seize the opportunities arising from France’s military withdrawal from Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. Through strategic defense partnerships and a growing arms export market, Turkey aims to expand its influence while navigating challenges related to resource limitations and diplomatic overstretch. A careful approach focusing on collaboration may yield long-term benefits for Turkey’s foreign policy objectives in Africa.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
