Turkey’s Africa outreach strains ties with the United States

Turkey Expands Military, Trade, and Diplomatic Presence in Africa

Turkey is significantly expanding its military, trade, and diplomatic influence across Africa, a move some analysts believe is challenging U.S. strategic goals. Ankara is capitalizing on ongoing conflicts and instability on the continent to bolster its presence.

Military Sales and Conflict Zones

Experts note that Turkey’s military sales appear driven by profit maximization, with less concern for the impact on regional power balances, particularly in areas affected by jihadist activity like the Sahel. Recent reports indicate Turkish companies have sold military drones to both sides of the three-year conflict in Sudan.

Economic Expansion and Turkish Airlines

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reported that trade volume between Turkey and the African continent has increased from $5.4 billion in 2003 to $41 billion in 2024. Turkish Airlines is playing a key role in this expansion, currently serving 64 African destinations and facilitating Turkish companies’ access to the continent. Erdogan described the relationship as a partnership built on “hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, and most importantly, heart-to-heart” connections.

Neo-Ottoman Foreign Policy and Drone Proliferation

Analysts suggest Turkey is pursuing a “neo-Ottoman” foreign policy, aiming to recreate aspects of its historical empire, including the promotion of caliphates. The proliferation of Turkish-made TB2 drones, which are significantly cheaper than U.S. or European alternatives, is a key component of this strategy. These drones have been reportedly sold to both the Sudanese government and the Rapid Support Forces militia, despite U.S. sanctions against such sales.

U.S. Concerns and Regional Implications

The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over external military support fueling conflicts in Sudan, and Turkey’s actions are viewed as potentially undermining U.S. interests. Turkey’s expanding network of embassies, now numbering 44 compared to 12 in 2002, and the extensive reach of Turkish Airlines further demonstrate Ankara’s growing influence. Analysts warn that Turkey’s approach to Africa, prioritizing access and influence over stability and alignment with Western policy objectives, poses a challenge to U.S. efforts to promote conflict mitigation and regional stability.