France Remains Unyielding As A ‘New Africa’ Emerges

In last week’s summit in Johannesburg, the BRICS 11 expanded with the addition of two African member-states, highlighting the connection between Eurasian integration and Afro-Eurasia integration.

Belarus is proposing a joint summit involving BRICS 11, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU), possibly leading to a significant multipolarity summit.

However, Africa still faces challenges in overcoming neocolonialism, notably the French monetary hegemony represented by the Franc CFA.

Recent events, such as military takeovers in countries like Chad, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, have raised questions about the balance of power in Africa and the influence of external actors.

Gabon witnessed a military takeover after a disputed election, resulting in the dissolution of institutions and the annulment of security agreements with France.

Niger’s strategic importance, especially regarding energy resources and the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline, has led to competition between France and the United States.

The rise of Russian influence in Africa, demonstrated through the BRICS summit, has the potential to reshape the continent’s geopolitical landscape.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) faces internal divisions and potential external interventions, posing challenges to its stability.

The role of the African Union (AU) in addressing African conflicts and crises remains complex and unclear.

The CFA franc, controlled by the French Treasury, has been a key tool in maintaining French neocolonial influence in Africa.

The control over African reserves and resources by foreign powers, such as France, has hindered economic development and sovereignty.

France’s domination in various sectors of African economies, including infrastructure and resources, is a form of neocolonialism.

France’s interference in African affairs, such as the assassination of Thomas Sankara in Burkina Faso, has been a source of instability.

The “war on terror” in the Sahel region is driven by complex factors, including the control of smuggling routes and the presence of armed groups.

Efforts to promote intra-African trade, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), face challenges, including the influence of the CFA franc.

The coup in Niger reflects a growing desire among African nations to assert their sovereignty and challenge neocolonial practices.

The extractivist model, focusing on resource control, defines global power dynamics, with France being a mid-ranking global power.

France’s control over monetary policy and monopolies in resource-rich African nations has enabled the exploitation of resources with minimal benefits for local populations.

African nations are increasingly expressing a desire for true decolonization and self-determination.

In summary, the report discusses the complex geopolitical dynamics in Africa, focusing on the role of external powers, such as France and the United States, in maintaining influence and control over the continent. It highlights recent events, challenges to regional organizations like ECOWAS, and the desire for greater African autonomy and self-determination.