France’s military withdrawals in Africa have created opportunities for Turkey to expand its influence. Experts indicate Turkey can leverage its NATO status and arms exports, but must be cautious not to overextend its resources. The shift opens a path for Turkish engagement in regions previously dominated by France.
Recent military withdrawals by France from the Sahel and West Africa have created new opportunities for Turkey. Experts suggest Turkey is well-positioned to take advantage of this gap due to its status as a NATO member and established arms exporter. However, caution is advised to prevent resource overextension in the region, as France’s military presence diminishes.
France’s departure from its sole base in Côte d’Ivoire and its planned exit from Chad represent a significant reduction of French military involvement. Federico Donelli, an international relations expert, asserts that traditional powers like France are reducing their engagement in Africa, largely due to demand from local states. This shift opens the door for new entrants like Turkey to increase their influence in the continent.
President Erdogan’s strategy includes expanding Turkey’s diplomatic presence in Africa, which has quadrupled in the last two decades. Element Tepecikoglu highlights that the failing French efforts to address insurgent threats have tarnished France’s image, leaving a political opening for Turkey. The sentiment against France’s colonial legacy has also aided Turkey’s position in the region.
Efforts to strengthen Senegalese and Turkish military relations were underscored in an Istanbul meeting, following Senegal’s call for the withdrawal of French forces. Turkey’s defense sector remains competitive, offering proven weapons at lower prices than Western counterparts, thereby enhancing its appeal across African nations.
Despite its smaller presence compared to global powers like Russia and China, Turkey may benefit from the ongoing competition for influence among these nations. Donelli notes that forming a security partnership with Turkey could appear more politically palatable for African states when compared to engaging with Russia.
While Turkey’s strategy in Africa presents significant opportunities, concerns regarding overstretch are growing. Huseyin Bagci warns that Turkey’s expanding military and diplomatic footprint may not be sustainable due to its limited resources, particularly amid a struggling economy. Analysts posit that Turkey might lean toward cooperative engagement rather than competitive rivalry in Africa as economic realities set in.
In summary, Turkey is strategically positioned to benefit from France’s military withdrawal from the Sahel and West Africa. As Turkey expands its influence, the country’s arms exports and diplomatic initiatives are critical. However, the potential for overstretch due to limited resources necessitates a balanced approach to maintain sustainable engagement on the continent. Given the broader geopolitical landscape, Turkey may need to pursue cooperative strategies moving forward.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
