France's last dance in Africa: Nigeria's role in struggle for influence The Eagle Online on Paris’s diplomatic trap

Nigerian news outlet The Eagle Online has published a thought-provoking article on the waning power of France in Africa. The piece, penned by Franck Shaibu — former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s special assistant on public relations — dives deep into the crumbling legacy of French influence across the continent. Now, Caliber.Az readers can delve into this eye-opening analysis, exploring how African nations are increasingly moving away from France's historical dominance.

Recently, France has found itself grappling with a diplomatic crisis, particularly in West Africa, where its once firm grip on former colonies is now unravelling. For decades, France has maintained an exploitative hold over its Francophone African territories, often masking its neo-colonial control as “independence.” These nations’ resources have remained in French hands, their currencies printed and controlled by Paris, and their economies shackled by policies that stifle true autonomy.

But change is on the horizon. Nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger have begun to turn their backs on France’s dominance, with military coups putting new leadership in power. These leaders are expelling French troops and dismantling French businesses, signalling the end of France’s reign in the region. For France, this is a humbling blow, leaving it seemingly orphaned in West Africa, a position it is unaccustomed to.

In the midst of this chaos, a surprising and unprecedented alliance is emerging between France and Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This shift in Nigeria’s stance is noteworthy, as historically, Nigeria has been wary of France. The two countries’ relationship has been shaped by mutual distrust, particularly due to France’s hostile actions during Nigeria’s Civil War, when France openly supported the Biafran separatists with military aid, diplomatic recognition, and asylum.

However, under the Tinubu administration, we are witnessing a significant change. Nigeria seems to be warming up to France in a way no previous government has since independence. This new “romance” between the two nations raises important questions. Is Nigeria being courted as the new base for France’s diminishing power in West Africa? Could Tinubu be allowing France to regain influence not through its former colonies, but by leveraging Nigeria’s geopolitical position as the economic and population powerhouse of Africa?

There’s no doubt that France, desperate to maintain its foothold in the region, is looking to Nigeria as a strategic ally. For France, aligning with Nigeria could help it recover a degree of influence in West Africa. But for Nigeria, this partnership comes with risks. Nigeria’s economic and political sovereignty could be compromised if it becomes a pawn in France’s bid to preserve its relevance in Africa.

This budding alliance is far from benign. Beyond the potential for economic cooperation, there’s a troubling possibility that it could open the door to French military involvement under the guise of “security cooperation.” Such a move could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and its leadership role in the region, turning it into a tool for French geopolitical interests.

Even more concerning is the symbolism of this alliance. President Tinubu’s growing dependency on France raises uncomfortable questions about who controls Nigeria’s foreign policy. Has Nigeria, a nation proud of its independence and historical resistance to foreign domination, fallen into a subordinate role in its own diplomatic strategy? The relationship risks reducing Nigeria to a mere proxy for French ambitions in Africa.

Moreover, this new partnership risks reopening old wounds. France’s meddling during Nigeria’s Civil War left deep scars, and any attempt to overlook this history for the sake of political convenience could be seen as a betrayal of Nigeria’s hard-won sovereignty. France’s interest in Nigeria is not driven by altruism but by its own self-preservation and desperation to maintain a foothold in a region increasingly hostile to its influence.

The Tinubu administration must approach this relationship with caution. Nigeria cannot afford to become a stepping stone in France’s efforts to regain its former glory in Africa. Any partnership with France must be carefully scrutinized, with Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and regional leadership firmly at the forefront of decision-making.

The stakes are high. The alliance between France and Nigeria could either strengthen Nigeria’s position in Africa or reduce it to a pawn in a larger geopolitical game. Only time will tell whether this “romance” will benefit Nigeria or if it will come at the cost of its independence and future.