Turkey’s Expanding Influence in Africa Challenges U.S. Strategic Interests
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Turkey’s growing footprint across Africa is increasingly complicating U.S. foreign policy objectives, as Ankara leverages ongoing conflicts to deepen its military, commercial, and diplomatic ties on the continent. Analysts warn that Turkey’s aggressive expansion, particularly through arms sales and Islamic diplomacy, threatens to undermine American influence in key regions grappling with instability.
Over the past several years, Turkey has capitalized on conflicts in countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia to establish a more prominent presence. Reports indicate that Turkish companies have supplied military drones to multiple factions involved in the three-year-long conflict in Sudan, raising alarms about Ankara’s willingness to profit from arms sales without regard to the impact on regional security. This dynamic is especially concerning in jihadist-affected areas like the Sahel, where the balance of power remains fragile.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration has pursued a multifaceted strategy that combines military exports, trade agreements, and Islamic cultural outreach to strengthen ties with African governments. This approach contrasts with the traditional U.S. emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation and democratic governance promotion. Critics argue that Ankara’s tactics risk exacerbating conflicts and complicating U.S. efforts to stabilize the region.
The U.S. Department of State has expressed unease over Turkey’s expanding role, noting that Ankara’s military sales sometimes fuel ongoing hostilities. The State Department has underscored the importance of coordinated international efforts to prevent arms proliferation that could empower extremist groups.
Moreover, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) continues to monitor Turkey’s activities closely. AFRICOM officials have highlighted the challenges posed by Ankara’s engagement, which often operates outside established Western security frameworks. The U.S. Africa Command stresses the need for enhanced collaboration with African partners to counterbalance external influences that may destabilize the continent further.
Turkey’s outreach also extends to educational and religious institutions, where Ankara promotes Islamic diplomacy as part of its soft power strategy. This dimension has raised concerns among some U.S. policymakers about the potential for Ankara to cultivate ideological influence that diverges from American values and interests.
In January 2026, President Erdogan met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ankara, signaling Turkey’s intent to deepen bilateral relations with Africa’s largest economy. Such high-level engagements underscore Ankara’s ambition to become a key player in African affairs, challenging the traditional dominance of Western powers.
The complexities of Turkey’s role in Africa have prompted calls within the U.S. government for a reassessment of engagement strategies. Experts suggest that Washington must enhance diplomatic efforts and provide alternative support to African nations to counterbalance Ankara’s influence. This includes reinforcing partnerships through the U.S. Agency for International Development and expanding security cooperation that aligns with democratic principles.
As conflicts persist and new opportunities arise, Turkey’s expanding presence in Africa represents a significant test for U.S. foreign policy. Balancing competition with cooperation will be critical as Washington seeks to safeguard its interests and promote stability on the continent.
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