Introduction
In recent years, Africa’s Sahel region has emerged as a compelling stage for shifts in international power dynamics. Its geographic position, abundant natural resources, and persistent security challenges have historically made it a focal point for external actors vying for influence. France, in particular, has sustained significant political, economic, and military dominance in the region long after the colonial era, maintaining a sphere of influence over countries such as Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania through what is commonly referred to as “Françafrique,” a term encapsulating France’s post-colonial network of control in Africa.
However, since the late 2010s, a new era has dawned in the Sahel. France’s traditional dominance has weakened, allowing rising powers like Türkiye to become more prominent in the resulting void. The termination of France’s Operation Barkhane, followed by a swift reduction in its military presence, has created a power vacuum that has provided Türkiye with an opportunity to deepen its engagement in the region.
