Turkey aims to exploit opportunities in Africa following France’s military withdrawal. Experts indicate that Turkey’s NATO membership and arms exports positions it favorably, but caution against overexpansion. With rising anti-French sentiments and Turkey’s established military ties, it seeks to enhance its influence while navigating economic constraints.
France’s withdrawal from military engagements in the Sahel and West Africa has created a strategic opportunity for Turkey. Experts suggest that Turkey is positioned to capitalize on this gap, particularly due to its NATO membership and its status as an experienced arms exporter. However, analysts caution that Turkey must be mindful not to extend its resources too thinly within the continent.
France has begun reducing its military footprint, most notably through its handover of the base in Côte d’Ivoire and its withdrawal from Chad earlier this year. Federico Donelli, an international relations expert, emphasizes that the diminished presence of France is not merely due to constraints but is influenced by local demands for reduced foreign engagement.
Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has made significant investments in Africa, noting a considerable increase in the country’s diplomatic representation over the last two decades. Erdogan’s approach also includes leveraging shared Islamic connections, as he highlights France’s colonial history to resonate with African audiences.
Academic Elem Tepecikoglu points out that Turkey’s entry into these markets coincided with a decline in the reputation of French military operations, which regional governments have criticized for inadequate support against insurgencies. Increased anti-French sentiment has created fertile ground for Turkish expansion in the region through defense agreements.
In a recent high-level meeting in Istanbul, Senegal’s leadership publicly called for the withdrawal of French troops, further signaling a shift in military alliances towards Turkey. The Turkish arms industry is gaining traction in Africa, offering competitively priced, battle-tested equipment, appealing to nations like Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad.
Despite Turkey’s growing influence, it competes with larger powers such as Russia and China for economic and diplomatic footholds in Africa. Donelli notes that for African nations, aligning with Turkey may seem less politically fraught than engaging with other major powers, facilitating cooperation without severing Western ties.
However, with Turkey’s rapid African expansion comes the risk of overstretch, as pointed out by Huseyin Bagci. As Turkey operates under fiscal constraints, expanding its military and diplomatic presence may prove unsustainable unless balanced carefully with economic realities. Analysts believe that in light of Turkey’s economic challenges, there may be a shift from competition to collaboration with European nations, including France, in Africa.
In summary, Turkey is strategically positioning itself to fill the void left by France in Africa, leveraging its diplomatic ties and competitive arms industry. As Turkey navigates its expansion, it must remain cautious of overextending its resources while adapting to the shifting geopolitical landscape. Maintaining a balance between growth and sustainability will be crucial as Turkey seeks to enhance its influence without compromising its economic stability. Overall, the evolving dynamics highlight both challenges and opportunities for Turkey in Africa amid a backdrop of changing international relations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
