Le Monde: Türkiye becomes Mali’s top arms supplier with ‘quiet, strategic’ rise
French newspaper Le Monde highlights Türkiye’s growing role as a key security partner for Mali, noting that Türkiye has become the top arms exporter to the Sahel nation since 2024. Bilateral trade has tripled over a decade, and Turkish companies are active in drones, armored vehicles, and training. Researcher Melis Yürüten Özdemir suggests a new security pact may be imminent.
French daily Le Monde has published a detailed analysis of Türkiye’s increasing influence in Mali, describing Ankara as a “quiet and strategic” partner that has risen to become the West African nation’s leading security ally. The report notes that while Mali continues to grapple with internal armed groups and a government that does not control the entire country, Türkiye has emerged as a reliable partner. “Türkiye has become an indispensable partner for the export of drones, military equipment, and training programs,” Le Monde wrote, also noting that Turkish private security companies are operating effectively in Mali.
Arms exports and trade growth
According to the report, Türkiye has signed numerous agreements with Mali in recent years, covering armored vehicles, optoelectronic and surveillance systems, mine-clearing equipment, and military personnel training. Since 2024, Türkiye has risen to first place in arms and ammunition exports to Mali, accounting for 20% of the country’s total imports. Bilateral trade volume has more than tripled over the past decade, with Turkish exports including electronics, industrial machinery, and cereals. Researcher Melis Yürüten Özdemir from Istanbul Galatasaray University told Le Monde: “Russia’s declining influence on the ground and criticism of Russian troops have strengthened Ankara’s hand. I would not be surprised if a new security agreement between Mali and Turkish leaders is announced within a few weeks.”
Declining Western influence
Le Monde observed that French and Western influence in the region is waning, and Türkiye is emerging as an alternative to Russia and China. The report recalled that President Erdogan made an official visit to Mali in March 2018, after which diplomatic relations systematically increased. In November 2025, Turkish defense companies including Aselsan, Roketsan, MKE, and Baykar participated heavily in Bamako Expo (Bamex), the first international defense and security fair in Mali, organized by Turkish businessman Harun Saraç. For Türkiye, expanding defense cooperation in Africa is part of a broader strategy to secure new markets and project soft power.
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