Turkey gains ground in Sahel as US influence wanes

Turkey is deepening military and diplomatic ties across the Sahel, challenging Western influence in a region beset by coups and jihadist violence, according to an analysis piece published by the Atlantic Council. Since 2022, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad have procured Turkish drones, armored vehicles, and aircraft—part of a broader shift after US defense aid was suspended following military takeovers.

Ankara’s engagement stretches beyond arms sales. Turkish firms are building infrastructure, and reports suggest Turkish private military contractors may be active in Niger and Mali. Though unconfirmed, this presence would mark a new phase in Turkey’s regional ambitions, providing an alternative to Russian and French security support.

Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drones reportedly helped Mali recapture Kidal in 2024, and Chad has granted Ankara access to a military base in Abéché, according to Military Africa. Analysts note that Turkey’s growing influence offers Washington an opportunity for tactical cooperation—but warn that any alignment must be approached cautiously, given Ankara’s fluid ties with Russia and weaker oversight over arms use.