Turkey Intensifies Security Ties with Mali Amidst Separatist and Jihadist Attacks. Lagos, Nigeria – The recent wave of separatist and jihadist attacks in Mali has prompted Turkey to intensify its defense ties with the West African nation. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the attacks and vowed to support Mali in its fight against terrorism.
Turkey’s strategic engagement with Mali has evolved significantly since the military rulers took power in 2021. Professor Sedat Aybar, director of the Asia Pacific Africa Studies Centre at Bahcesehir University, explains that the relationship has shifted from humanitarian to economic cooperation, and now to security and military aid. Ankara has signed several security and defense agreements with Mali, focusing on training, logistics, and defense sales.
This includes advanced Turkish drones, which have become crucial for Mali’s defense capabilities. Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst at Control Risks, notes that Russian paramilitary forces in Mali have also acquired equipment through Turkey, indicating a multifaceted security relationship. Turkey’s expanding security role in Mali is part of a broader Sahel strategy, encompassing Burkina Faso and Niger.
Melis Ozdemir, a PhD candidate at Galatasaray University, highlights that the military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which cut defense ties with France, have provided new opportunities for Turkish diplomacy and defense exports. While direct military intervention in Mali seems unlikely, Ankara could send military advisers if requested. Turkey’s role in Nigeria, where it provided military advisors to enhance the fight against Boko Haram, indicates its willingness to engage in similar capacities in Mali.
Turkey is also offering diplomatic support, seeking to mediate between warring parties and providing a platform for negotiations. This approach, which includes Turkey acting as a neutral party, is seen as a strategic move to resolve conflicts and increase its influence in the region.
As Mali grapples with escalating violence, its reliance on Turkey for military support marks a significant shift in the region’s security dynamics. Whether this new partnership can provide the stability and security Mali needs remains to be seen.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: RFI
