France’s attempt to strengthen its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria is raising alarms across West Africa, as the region grapples with a rising tide of anti-colonial sentiment. Once a dominant colonial force across much of Africa, France is now facing increasing resistance from former colonies that are keen to assert their sovereignty and limit French influence in the region.
Diplomatic relations between France and several sub-Saharan African countries have reached a low point in recent years. Nations like Senegal and Chad have taken decisive actions to curb French influence, including closing military bases and severing defense agreements. This shift is largely driven by the growing discontent in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have decided to cut ties with their former colonial ruler.
In Chad, the movement to sever ties with France gained significant momentum when thousands of protesters took to the streets on December 6, chanting, “Chad for us, France out!” The protests came after the Chadian government announced the end of its defense cooperation agreement with France, asserting its desire to regain full sovereignty and realign its strategic partnerships.
Amid this growing anti-French sentiment, France has sought to forge closer ties with Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who currently leads the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), visited France in late November, where he was warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit, which included the signing of key agreements covering academic exchanges and cooperation in managing Nigeria’s mineral resources, was seen by many as an attempt by France to preserve its influence in the region.
However, the strengthening of ties with France has sparked concern in Nigeria, where many citizens remember the impact of colonialism and are wary of any relationship with a former colonial power. The agreement to cooperate on mineral resources has raised fears of a potential French takeover of Nigeria’s valuable resources, as has occurred in other African countries in the past.
In response to these concerns, the Nigerian government sought to reassure the public, with the Special Adviser to President Tinubu, Sunday Dare, declaring that France would not be taking control of Nigeria’s mineral sector. Despite these assurances, apprehension remains, particularly in northern Nigeria, where the memory of French colonialism in neighboring Niger continues to influence public opinion.
While Nigeria’s history with France is distinct from the experiences of countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, many in Nigeria fear that closer ties with France could have a ripple effect across West Africa. Analysts suggest that the growing alliance between Nigeria and France could create tension with neighboring countries, particularly as anti-French and Pan-Africanist sentiments continue to rise across the region.
The situation highlights the challenges France faces in a changing Africa, where former colonies are increasingly asserting their independence and questioning the legacy of colonial powers. As Nigeria navigates its relationship with France, the broader implications for West African unity and regional stability remain uncertain. France’s efforts to maintain influence in the region, amid the rising tide of anti-colonial sentiment, are likely to be met with continued resistance from many in Africa, making its future in the continent increasingly complicated.