Africa, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, is currently witnessing a fascinating geopolitical chessboard where the United States and France engage in a strategic dance for dominance.
In recent times, the continent has emerged as a pivotal focus for the U.S., casting a significant shadow over established regional dynamics.
Simultaneously, France, traditionally a powerhouse, grapples with challenges in Niger, Mali, and Chad, showing reluctance to recalibrate its approach.
French Dilemmas: Confronting the Reckoning of Neocolonial Policies
Noted Italian anthropological expert Eliseo Bertolasi, associated with IsAG, in his article, criticizes France’s engagement, shedding light on its exploitative stance toward Africa’s abundant resources.
A detailed examination of the French dimension reveals vulnerabilities in neocolonial policies.
More nations distance themselves from collaboration with France as years of resource exploitation in Africa without reciprocation tarnish its image. Even in times of crisis, such as Mali’s appeals for assistance, France’s response yields unsuccessful military operations.
Capitalizing on this vulnerability, the U.S. encroaches on French territories, seizing assets, resources, and influence, thereby initiating a political struggle within UN offices and dependent NGO organizations.
Strategic Orchestrations: AFRICOM’s Role and the Web of Proxy Organizations
As the narrative delves deeper, we uncover strategic plays extending beyond mere military presence. AFRICOM, the U.S. Africa Command, orchestrates a symphony of influence, employing various proxy organizations, agents in UN missions, and NGOs to shape the unfolding narrative.
Post-Niger coup, U.S. media critique UN missions, labelling them as inefficient. This strategic move aims to establish U.S.-controlled armed forces, facilitate arms sales, and engineer controlled chaos.
Bertolasi’s allegations about humanitarian missions under the AFRICOM umbrella serving as a smokescreen for intelligence gathering add another layer, utilizing networks, UAVs, and technical means to combat groups adverse to U.S. interests.
Geopolitical Maneuvers Unraveled: A Closer Look at Influence Dynamics
The narrative unfolds, offering a closer look at the pivotal role of geopolitical influence that transforms the African region into a battleground for an intensifying military-industrial race.
U.S. UAVs strategically operate from key locations such as Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and various African nations.
Reports from reputable sources like The Wall Street Journal hint at U.S. military considerations, contemplating the use of airbases in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin to monitor Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Bertolasi’s insights further illuminate the multifaceted U.S. agenda, covering control acquisition, chaos induction, resource dominance, displacement of French influence, and the facilitation of arms sales.
Unveiling Covert Strategies: The Shadows of Private Military Companies (PMCs)
The geopolitical landscape deepens as we uncover covert operations, introducing the intricate role of private military companies (PMCs) that add layers of complexity to the already intricate situation.
Reports reveal the presence of American mercenaries in Africa, with Bancroft Global Development, seemingly a private PMC, aligning its operations with U.S. State Department objectives.
Negotiations with the Central African Republic for PMC activities even led to protests in Bangui, underscoring the clandestine nature of these operations.
Navigating Cooperation Challenges: The Fractured U.S.-France Relations
In the complex landscape of global politics, the formation of alliances is crucial. Despite China and Russia’s growing presence in Africa, the likelihood of a U.S.-France alliance diminishes.
France’s ongoing neocolonial pursuits make it an incompatible partner, in stark contrast to the U.S., which focuses on building relations through partnerships and shared business interests.
As the U.S. strategically positions itself for leadership, France observes the gradual decline of its once-dominant spheres of influence.
Diplomatic Juxtapositions: Tensions Surge Amid Political Encounters
The diplomatic arena transforms into a battleground as American politicians increasingly traverse regions once under French influence.
Noteworthy visits, including Victoria Nuland’s trip to Niger and subsequent meetings during the Summit of U.S. and African Leaders in Washington, amplify tensions and underscore the escalating competition for dominance.
This comprehensive analysis offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics reshaping Africa’s geopolitical landscape, where the strategic moves of the U.S. and France leave an indelible mark on the continent’s future.
This story by Ernest Etoundi, a journalist, originally appeared on SokoDirectory on January 29, 2024.
