Following France’s withdrawal from Chad, Turkey has secured control of strategic military assets, accelerating its African security sector expansion.
This strategic shift emerged through January 2025 negotiations, where Turkish diplomats finalized access to Abéché Base, France’s former counterterrorism hub.
Chadian officials confirmed transferring base operations after reviewing regional security needs, ending Paris’ decades-long military presence in Central Africa.
The Abéché facility now anchors Turkey’s Sahel operations, reflecting Ankara’s growing defense partnerships amid shifting alliances in post-colonial African states.
Beyond Abéché, Turkey has taken additional steps to strengthen its presence in Chad.
Turkish drones have been deployed near the Faya-Largeau base, situated close to Chad’s northern border with Libya.
Turkish military advisors have also been stationed at this strategic location to assist Chadian forces.
These measures reflect Ankara’s commitment to bolstering Chad’s security infrastructure amid ongoing instability in the Sahel region.
Turkey’s Strategic Pivot to Africa
Turkey’s expanded military footprint in Chad is part of a broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical presence across Africa.
As traditional powers like France recede, Turkey positions itself as Africa’s primary security ally while mediating critical conflicts including the Somalia-Ethiopia border crisis.
Turkey’s strategy combines dispute resolution with boosting trade through infrastructure investments and energy partnerships across 28 African countries since 2021.
Concurrently deploying Bayraktar drones to Chad strengthens counterterrorism efforts while countering rival powers’ regional influence through military training programs and defense pacts.
By strategically projecting power near conflict zones like Sudan, analysts argue Turkey could stabilize migration routes while expanding its economic foothold in vital mineral-rich regions.
Economic and Diplomatic Engagement
Turkey’s influence in Africa extends beyond the military sphere.
Trade between Turkey and African nations reached $32 billion in 2024, reflecting Ankara’s growing economic footprint on the continent.
Turkish contractors are actively involved in infrastructure projects across Africa, spanning sectors such as energy, construction, and education.
These investments highlight Turkey’s comprehensive approach to fostering partnerships with African countries.
Diplomatically, Turkey has significantly increased its presence on the continent, nearly quadrupling its embassies in Africa since 2003.
This expansion facilitates deeper bilateral relations and underscores Ankara’s commitment to long-term engagement with African nations.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration has emphasized policies of mutual respect and cooperation, resonating with many African leaders.
Implications for Regional Stability
Turkey’s growing presence in Chad and the broader Sahel region comes at a time of heightened instability.
The Sahel has been plagued by insurgencies, cross-border conflicts, and humanitarian crises.
By providing advanced military technology and advisory support, Turkey seeks to enhance the security capabilities of its African partners while positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the region.
The withdrawal of French forces from Chad represents a broader trend of traditional powers recalibrating their involvement in Africa.
In this context, Turkey’s assertive strategy fills a vacuum, offering African nations alternative partnerships that emphasize development alongside security.
A New Chapter in Africa-Turkey Relations
Turkey’s recent moves in Chad exemplify its evolving role as an influential player on the African continent.
With a focus on military cooperation, economic investment, and diplomatic engagement, Ankara is reshaping its relationships with African nations.
As traditional powers like France step back, Turkey’s proactive approach underscores its readiness to engage with Africa’s complex challenges and opportunities.
The developments in Chad are emblematic of this shift, highlighting Ankara’s ambition to play a pivotal role in Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
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