The proliferation of foreign military bases in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, has significant long-term geopolitical effects.

It transforms these regions into arenas for great-power competition, complicates local conflicts by introducing external interests, and can undermine the sovereignty of host nations.

Horn of Africa: A Geostrategic Choke Point-

The Horn of Africa has become a hub for foreign military bases due to its strategic location on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global shipping between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

• External Power Interests: The presence of military bases in countries like Djibouti serves the interests of a diverse group of external powers. The United States, France, and Japan primarily use their bases for counter-terrorism operations, anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden, and protecting global trade routes. China's first overseas military base in Djibouti is a key part of its Belt and Road Initiative, designed to protect its growing economic interests and provide logistical support for its naval fleet. Middle Eastern powers like the UAE and Saudi Arabia also maintain a presence to project influence and secure their interests related to conflicts in Yemen.

• Impact on Local Stability: The competition among these powers can exacerbate local rivalries. While host nations like Djibouti gain significant revenue from leasing out their territory, this can also entangle them in the rivalries of their patrons. The presence of multiple foreign militaries in close proximity creates a complex security environment where local conflicts can become internationalized, and a diplomatic dispute between two foreign powers could have a direct impact on the host country.

The Sahel: A Battleground for Influence-

In the Sahel, foreign military bases have been primarily established to counter terrorism and stabilize a region plagued by internal conflicts and weak governance.

• External Power Interests: Western powers, particularly France and the United States, have long maintained a military presence to fight jihadist groups and train local armies. However, recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have led to a major shift. The new juntas have expelled Western forces and, in many cases, have turned to Russia for security assistance, often through private military contractors like the Wagner Group. Russia's interest lies in expanding its geopolitical influence, securing access to resources, and challenging the long-standing dominance of former colonial powers.

• Impact on Local Stability: The proliferation of these foreign military presences has not always led to stability. In fact, many locals believe that the presence of foreign troops has exacerbated security issues. The competition between external actors can fuel internal fragmentation and undermine the authority of regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union. The influx of weapons and foreign personnel can also intensify existing ethnic tensions and regional conflicts, turning them into proxy wars for external powers.