Turkey Trains Mali and Niger Soldiers in Sahel Pivot — Turkey

Ankara's Africa pivot takes shape as Turkey trains soldiers from the Sahel

Soldiers from Mali and Niger graduated from Turkey's special forces camp in Isparta, the latest cohort in a military training program now extended to more than 20 African nations, as Ankara deploys the 'Somalia model' — training partner forces rather than intervening directly — to fill the vacuum left by France's military withdrawal from the Sahel. Turkey is also preparing to host the NATO summit in Ankara, where a €70 billion military aid package for Ukraine is on the agenda, underscoring Ankara's simultaneous roles as a Western alliance member and an independent regional security actor.

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Turkey deploys Somalia model to Mali and Niger as Ankara's African military training extends to 20+ countries

Soldiers from Mali and Niger graduated from Turkey's special forces training camp in Isparta in early June, the latest cohort in a program Ankara has extended to more than 20 African nations through bilateral military cooperation agreements, using what officials and defence experts call the 'Somalia model' — named after Turkey's largest overseas military base in Mogadishu — to build partner-force capacity rather than deploying Turkish troops directly. Defence experts identify the approach as a cost-effective form of defence diplomacy that positions Turkey as an alternative to both France's receding military presence in the Sahel and the growing influence of Russia and China.

Frequently Asked

Which African countries sent soldiers for training in Turkey?

Soldiers from Mali and Niger completed training at Turkey's special forces camp in Isparta in early June.

What is the 'Somalia model' in Turkey's military cooperation?

The 'Somalia model' refers to Turkey's largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, serving as a template for building long-term military relationships without deploying Turkish combat troops directly.

How many African nations has Turkey extended its military cooperation programme to?

Turkey has extended its military cooperation programme to more than 20 African nations.

Why is Turkey expanding military ties with Sahelian countries?

Turkey is seizing a strategic opportunity following France's military withdrawal from West Africa, and African governments view Turkey as a counterweight to Russian and Chinese influence.