The French Connection
Did you know that France has the fourth-largest gold reserves in the world? Even though France doesn't have any gold mines of its own, it relies on the African continent for many of its mineral resources. For a long time, France has had political, economic, and cultural dominance over Africa. But now, some of its former colonies in West Africa are getting angry and questioning France's influence.
A Changing Landscape
France is determined to maintain its influence in Africa, drawing on its colonial past. However, it faces competition from other international players like Russia, the United States, and China. People in West Africa are also calling for a break with France, accusing it of impoverishing their countries and plundering their wealth. This has led to coups and revolutions in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The Riches of West Africa
West African countries have incredible economic resources. They own 9% of the world's oil reserves and produce 400 million barrels of oil. They also have 40% of the world's gold reserves and produce 70% of it. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) covers a vast area and has a population of 350 million people.
Unfair Exploitation
France has been exploiting the wealth of West Africa for a long time. For example, in Niger, a poor country suffering from malnutrition and famine, France controls large uranium mines. France imports a significant amount of uranium from Niger to fuel its nuclear reactors. During the independence of the Sahel region from France, France linked the CFA franc (the unified African currency) to its central bank, giving it control over its former colonies' cash reserves.
Coups and Anger
Military coups have been common in Africa since its independence from France. France has been involved in many of these coups. However, the recent coups in the Sahel region have been different. The new coup plotters are hostile towards France, seeking legitimacy by opposing French dominance. People in these countries blame French hegemony for their problems with tyranny, corruption, and identity.
A Shift in Alliances
In Mali, officer Assimi Goita led a military coup and declared hostility towards France. He expelled the French ambassador and forces fighting armed groups. Goita may turn to Russia as a strong ally and has already received weapons and fighter aircraft from them. Similar events unfolded in Burkina Faso, where Captain Ibrahim Traore led a coup and called for a review of relations with France. Traore reached out to Russia for support and even asked for a nuclear plant to be built in Burkina Faso. In Niger, General Abderrahmane Tiani led a coup and severed relations with France, causing massive demonstrations in the capital.
Escaping French Control
People in West Africa are tired of being under French control. They want to break free from the grip of France and regain control over their own destinies. They believe that France has held them back and kept them impoverished for decades. It remains to be seen how this struggle for independence will unfold and whether France will lose its influence in the region.
Global Powers Eyeing the Sahara
Hey there, middle schoolers! So, there's this thing happening in the Sahara region where a bunch of powerful countries are trying to expand their influence. They want to have military control and make lots of money from the region's oil and minerals.
Russia Takes the Lead
One of the countries really going for it is Russia. They are trying hard to get into the Sahel area and have been supporting new leaders there. They even have a group called the Wagner Group that helps fight in Mali and supports governments against armed groups.
In February 2023, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, visited some African countries, including Nouakchott and Mali. He promised to help these countries fight against terrorist groups and said he would send hundreds of soldiers to Mali. Russia also promised to give Mali more military equipment.
The United States' Role
The United States is also involved in the Sahara region. They have special forces in Niger, with about 1,100 soldiers, and they are training the Nigerien army. They even have a base called "AP 201" in northern Niger, close to Libya and Algeria.
In December 2022, the United States held a summit and their President, Biden, promised to give $50 billion to Africa. They really want to have a strong presence in Africa.
China and Turkey's Focus
China and Turkey are more interested in economic projects and supporting companies that work with oil and mining. They want to make money from the resources in the Sahara region.
What About France?
Now, let's talk about France. It used to be a big player in Africa, but things have changed. France's economy is not as strong as it used to be, and other countries like Russia and China have become more powerful. Even India and Brazil are catching up.
Some experts say that France can't control the African continent anymore. There's a report from the French Senate that says France doesn't have enough resources to do that. Without Africa, France would become less influential and important.
France is trying to adapt and keep its influence, but with all the changes happening in the world and the interests of other countries, it's becoming harder for them to hold on to their power in Africa.
