Turkey Seeks to Fill the Void in Africa as France Withdraws Military Forces
Turkey aims to seize opportunities in Africa following France’s military pullout from the Sahel and West Africa. Experts indicate that Turkey’s expansion, spurred by a burgeoning arms industry and strategic diplomatic initiatives, reflects shifting power dynamics. However, challenges such as resource limitations and the risk of overstretch remain critical concerns for their ambitions in the region.
Turkey is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the vacuum created by France’s military withdrawal from the Sahel and West Africa, according to experts. The departure of French forces from their sole base in Côte d’Ivoire and the January pullout from Chad are pivotal moments in a broader reduction of France’s influence in the region. International relations expert Federico Donelli from Trieste University notes, “What we are living in now is a transformational age,” highlighting the diminishing engagement of traditional powers like France in Africa as local states advocate for their exit.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has significantly increased Turkey’s diplomatic presence in Africa, quadrupling the number of embassies in two decades. Donelli points out that Erdogan leverages Turkey’s Islamic identity to resonate with African audiences, particularly in light of France’s colonial history. Meanwhile, Elem Tepecikoglu from Ankara’s Social Sciences University observes that Turkey’s rise coincides with growing discontent towards France, as local governments criticize its effectiveness in combating terrorism, thus presenting opportunities for Turkey to fill this void.
Recent meetings, such as one in Istanbul concentrated on enhancing Senegal-Turkish military ties, reflect Turkey’s ambitions in the region. Senegal’s call for French troop withdrawal occurred in a context of strong Turkish arms sales, which have gained traction due to their competitive pricing and minimal restrictions. Tepecikoglu states, “Turkish defense products are now very popular in African markets,” with several Sahelian nations acquiring Turkish military drones and equipment.
Despite the potential for influence, Turkey’s position remains modest when juxtaposed with global powers like Russia, China, and the United States. However, Donelli argues that Turkey’s status as a NATO member offers African nations a politically viable option when seeking security agreements, contrasting with relations that might signal a shift away from Western alliances.
Expansion into Africa poses significant challenges for Turkey, as highlighted by Professor Huseyin Bagci of Ankara Middle East Technical University. He warns, “Turkey is expanding too much. This is called overstretch in diplomatic language,” indicating that the nation’s military and economic resources may not sustain this ambitious growth, especially amid a domestic economic crisis. Analysts suggest that Turkey may need to pivot towards cooperative relationships in Africa, especially as Erdogan seeks improved ties with Europe and France.
Turkey is keen to exploit the void left by France’s military withdrawal from Africa, recognizing both challenges and opportunities on the continent. The country’s expansion into Africa, underpinned by a burgeoning arms industry and strategic diplomatic maneuvers, marks a significant shift in influence dynamics. However, the risks of overstretching resources and the operational demands of such ambitious initiatives warrant careful consideration. Ultimately, Turkey’s path forward may lean more towards collaboration than rivalry as it navigates these complex regional landscapes.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
