Setting the Stage: Turkey’s Ascent in African Affairs
Turkey’s engagement with Africa has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades, evolving from soft power initiatives to a more robust military presence. This shift aligns with Turkey’s broader foreign policy objectives of enhancing its geopolitical influence, securing economic interests, and establishing itself as a key player in Africa’s security landscape. The military dimension includes arms sales, military bases, training programs, and defense agreements with numerous African countries. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of Turkey’s military involvement in Africa, exploring its historical roots, current manifestations, strategic objectives, and the multifaceted implications for both Turkey and African nations.
From Ottoman Echoes to Modern Maneuvers: Tracing Turkey’s African Journey
Turkey’s historical connections with Africa date back to the Ottoman Empire, which maintained diplomatic and commercial ties with various African states, especially in North Africa and the Horn of Africa. Modern engagement began in the late 1990s with the 1998 “Action Plan for Africa,” which aimed to strengthen Turkey’s presence through diplomacy, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges.
Initially, Turkey relied on soft power, with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) implementing development projects, such as schools and hospitals, and the Turkish Red Crescent providing humanitarian aid. Educational efforts, including scholarships for over 12,600 African students from 54 countries by 2021, further solidified cultural ties. The military dimension gained prominence in the 2010s, notably during the 2011 Somali crisis, where Turkey’s humanitarian efforts paved the way for security cooperation, including the establishment of Camp TURKSOM in Mogadishu in 2017.
Boots on the Ground, Drones in the Sky: Turkey’s Security Footprint in Africa
Turkey’s military engagement in Africa encompasses arms sales, military bases, training programs, and defense agreements, aimed at establishing long-term strategic partnerships while advancing its geopolitical and economic objectives.
Arms Sales
Turkey has become a key arms supplier to African nations, leveraging its growing defense industry. Defense and aerospace exports to Africa increased from $82.9 million in 2020 to $460.6 million in 2021, a more than fivefold rise, with a 103% increase over the previous five-year period (SIPRI). Key recipients include:
- Algeria: Negotiating for 10 Anka-S drones.
- Morocco: Ordered 13 Bayraktar TB2 drones in 2021.
- Niger: Purchased TAI’s Hurkus aircraft in 2021.
- Nigeria: Largest African importer of Turkish arms (2020–2024), mainly helicopters.
- Togo and Burkina Faso: Received MEMATT counter-mine systems in 2022.
Turkey’s affordable pricing and lack of political conditions appeal to African nations, though concerns persist about civilian casualties linked to drone use in Mali and Burkina Faso.
Military Bases
Turkey’s physical military presence is most notable in Somalia and Libya:
- Somalia: Camp TURKSOM, hosting 2,000 Turkish soldiers, trains one-third of Somalia’s army and supports maritime defense via a 2024 agreement.
- Libya: Since the 2019 maritime deal with the GNA, Turkey has deployed 100 soldiers and 3,000 Syrian mercenaries to bases in Misrata and Al-Watiya, with mandates renewed until 2026.
- Sudan: A 2017 lease on Suakin Island hints at future military plans, though denied by officials.
Training Programs
Turkey bolsters local defense through training, including Somalia’s Camp TURKSOM, the “defense university,” as well as counterterrorism programs in the Gambia and planned efforts in Uganda and Mozambique.
Defense Agreements
With over 25 African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria, Turkey has agreements covering arms sales, training, and intelligence sharing, often supported by military attachés.
Beyond Brotherhood: Decoding Turkey’s Strategic Calculus in Africa
Turkey’s military push in Africa serves multiple strategic aims:
Geopolitical Influence
Turkey counters traditional powers like Russia and France, gaining diplomatic leverage in global forums.
Economic Interests
Military ties have opened doors for Turkish firms in mining and infrastructure, with arms exports reaching $5.5 billion in 2023.
Maritime Strategy
The “Mavi Vatan” doctrine drives Turkey’s Mediterranean ambitions, exemplified by the 2019 Libya maritime deal.
Ideological Alignment
Turkey aligns with Africa’s Muslim communities, enhancing its influence through religious and cultural initiatives.
Empowerment or Entanglement? Assessing Turkey’s Military Impact on African Nations
Turkey’s involvement yields both benefits and challenges:
Positive Impacts
- Defense Enhancement: Affordable arms and training boost African security capacities.
- Stability: Support for counterterrorism and peacekeeping aids regional stability.
- Economic Gains: Trade and investment opportunities grow for both sides.
Negative Impacts
- Human Rights: Drone-related civilian deaths in Mali (2023) and alleged sanctions violations in Sudan raise concerns.
- Conflict Risks: Libya’s prolonged civil war highlights potential destabilization.
- Transparency: Noncompetitive contracts fuel corruption worries.
African Perspectives
Governments value Turkey’s support, but local populations and insurgents, like JNIM in the Sahel, criticize its role in civilian harm.
Looking Ahead: Navigating the Future of Turkey-Africa Security Relations
Turkey’s military presence in Africa marks it as a rising security partner, offering mutual benefits but also posing risks, including human rights issues and potential conflict escalation. As Turkey expands its footprint, its role will shape Africa’s security dynamics and global power competitions moving forward.
