As the geopolitical tides shift across West Africa, France’s long-standing dominance in its former colonies faces unprecedented challenges. Recent years have seen Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger rebel against the French presence, expelling troops, dismantling French businesses, and severing ties that once cemented Paris’ neo-colonial grip on the region.
Against this backdrop of rejection, a curious rapprochement between France and Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, has drawn sharp attention.
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France’s Retreat and Nigeria’s Emergence
Historically, France has maintained economic and political control over its Francophone African territories, leveraging currency manipulation, reserve control, and military influence. However, after decades of what critics describe as neo-colonial exploitation, many of these nations have sought to reclaim their autonomy. This has left France scrambling to maintain relevance in a region it once considered its backyard.
Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy and most populous country, now appears to be a new focus of France’s attention. With its influence in Francophone countries eroding, Nigeria presents an opportunity for France to re-establish its presence in West Africa. But is this alliance a calculated strategic partnership or another chapter in France’s bid to maintain dominance?
A Troubled History
Relations between Nigeria and France have been anything but cordial, especially during the Civil War. Yet, under Tinubu’s administration, there appears to be a thaw in relations. Tinubu’s repeated engagements with France, against the backdrop of its diminishing influence in West Africa, have raised eyebrows. Critics wonder whether Nigeria is unwittingly becoming a pawn in France’s desperate bid for survival in a region that has rejected its overtures.
Phrank Shaibu’s scathing analysis in “See Paris and Die” questions the motivations behind this alliance, suggesting that Nigeria risks being drawn into France’s neo-colonial game. According to Shaibu, France’s interest in Nigeria is far from altruistic. He describes France’s manoeuvres as rooted in self-preservation, not partnership.
“This ‘romance’ cannot be dismissed as mere diplomacy; it has far-reaching implications,” he writes. “Nigeria risks becoming a pawn in France’s neo-colonial chess game, a tool for maintaining relevance in a region that is increasingly rejecting French influence.”
Sovereignty at Stake
The potential implications of a closer Nigeria-France alliance extend beyond economic partnerships. Critics fear that France could use Nigeria as a base for military operations, leveraging “security cooperation” to re-establish its presence in the region.
“This level of dependency reeks of subservience,” a political analyst commented. “Nigeria cannot afford to position itself as a stepping stone for France’s resurgence in West Africa.”
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Moreover, there are concerns about the symbolism of this relationship. Shaibu points to what he perceives as undue dependency on France for approval in policy matters, arguing that such reliance undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and dignity.
Lessons from History
The memories of France’s role in the Nigerian Civil War remain a stark reminder of the risks of aligning too closely with a country that has historically prioritised its own interests. Critics argue that any partnership with France must be approached with caution and scrutinised through the lens of Nigeria’s national interest.
“Nigeria cannot afford to become a stepping stone for France’s resurgence in West Africa, nor can it allow itself to be manipulated into a subservient role,” warns Shaibu.
What Lies Ahead
The unfolding relationship between Nigeria and France raises fundamental questions. Is this a strategic partnership that could bolster Nigeria’s regional leadership and economic standing? Or is it a neo-colonial trap that risks reducing Nigeria to a pawn in France’s desperate bid to maintain relevance in Africa?
For now, the motivations behind Tinubu’s embrace of France remain speculative. However, the stakes are high. As France seeks a new foothold in West Africa, Nigeria must tread carefully to ensure that its sovereignty, dignity, and leadership in Africa are not compromised.
Only time will reveal whether this partnership will serve Nigeria’s long-term interests or reinforce the old patterns of exploitation that have long defined France’s role in Africa.
