Türkiye-France rivalry in the African Sahel region

The African continent has held increasing importance in Türkiye's foreign policy since the Africa Action Plan was adopted in 1998. Following the declaration of 2005 as the "Year of Africa", Türkiye began to place its policy initiatives toward the continent within a more systematic and institutional framework. The expansion in the number of Turkish diplomatic missions across the continent, combined with the growing activities of state institutions and the engagement of civil society organizations, indicates that Türkiye's Africa policy has undergone a significant transformation over the past twenty-five years. Initially, Türkiye exercised its influence on the continent primarily through soft power instruments such as education, humanitarian aid, and cultural cooperation. However, in recent years, elements of hard power have been increasingly incorporated into its Africa policy. In this context, the establishment of military bases in a limited number of African countries, Türkiye's efforts to increase defense industry exports, and its pursuit of security agreements all suggest a shift in the strategic orientation of Turkish foreign policy. Türkiye's growing presence in Africa has also directly challenged the policies of global actors that have traditionally maintained influence on the continent—chief among them, France. France pursues a multidimensional foreign policy strategy in the Sahel region, encompassing countries such as Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Mali. Through its military bases, economic investments, and cultural activities, France continues to exert influence over the region, leveraging the Sahel's Francophone identity. This thesis analyzes the fundamental dynamics of the competition between France and Türkiye in the Sahel region, with Türkiye positioning itself as a non-colonial alternative based on the "win-win" principle. Furthermore, it conducts a comparative analysis of the two countries' political, economic, military, and socio-cultural policies, revealing how Türkiye's expanding presence challenges France's traditional dominance.