Türkiye steps up as key player in Africa amid France’s waning influence

As France continues to lose its long-standing influence across the African continent, Türkiye is expanding its diplomatic presence and strengthening relations, particularly in West Africa.

In recent years, France has seen its military and diplomatic presence diminish in countries such as Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire.

One notable example is Burkina Faso, where the military junta that took power in September 2022 expelled the French ambassador in early 2023 and ended a military cooperation agreement with Paris.

As a result, 400 French soldiers stationed under Operation Sabre were withdrawn at the request of the Burkinabe government.

Amid shifting alliances in the region, Türkiye is ramping up efforts to build strong bilateral relations with Burkina Faso. In this context, Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran will visit the country on Thursday.

The visit comes just days after Burkina Faso’s state television reported that a coup attempt targeting the presidential palace on April 16 had been thwarted.

Deepening diplomatic, economic cooperation

During his visit, Duran will meet with Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, and Transitional Legislative Assembly President Ousmane Bougouma.

He will also participate in inter-delegation meetings involving officials from various ministries to discuss a wide range of cooperation areas.

As part of the visit, Duran will meet with members of the Turkish community and business representatives in Ouagadougou. He will also visit the local campus of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, a state-backed institution promoting educational diplomacy.

Türkiye aims for comprehensive progress

Diplomatic sources emphasize Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening ties with Burkina Faso-based on equal partnership and mutual benefit. Key sectors targeted for collaboration include trade, energy, mining, agriculture, education, and health.

Türkiye also supports Burkina Faso’s efforts to combat terrorism and highlights the importance of regional stability in the Sahel for global peace and security.

In 2023, Türkiye exported goods worth $167 million to Burkina Faso, while imports from the country totaled around $4 million. Officials note a recent uptick in bilateral momentum, bolstered by high-level visits.

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Traore, who visited Türkiye last year for the third Joint Economic Commission meeting in Ankara, also attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum earlier this month.