France and Russia: A new cold war in Africa

The diplomatic war which has been furtively fought in the shadows is increasing becoming laid bare. The gloves are off and full-blown war of words has been let loose. In a recent interview,the French president Emmanuel Macron steadfastly bemoaned the presence and influence of Russia across the African continent. He lamented that Russia’s end goal in Africa is “predatory” and exploitative. He further used the interview which happened on the sidelines of Francophone Nations Summit in Tunisia to affirm that Russian propaganda machine is stoking Anti-French sentiments in Africa. These accusations come barely a week since Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni accused France of exploiting Africa. Mali, a former french colony,has cut all ties with Paris and to drive the last nail into the coffin has prohibited all activities of NGOs operating in Mali with funding from France including in the material and technical field as well as humanitarian aid.

Relations between Paris and Moscow have been frosty since their sudden encounter in Mali which France considers it’s backyard. The Malian military junta after taking power in a military coup in 2021 under colonel Assimi Goita invited Russia’s paramilitary wing called the Wagner Group to assist in fighting the jihadists. This inevitably exasperated the French who have been in Mali since 2013 fighting the same jihadists without much success in operation Serval. Russia’s influence in Africa has gradually grown and their presence can be seen in half a dozen countries like Mali, Mozambique, Libya, Central African Republic and Sudan. French authority linked to colonialism seems to be threatened by the arrival of the Russians. The French have ended their military operations in Mali and moved their troops out to neighbouring countries like Niger. This new cold war is chiefly exacerbated by the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine which France strongly condemn. Furthermore,they send their military and humanitarian support to Ukraine to assist in fighting the Russian army. Whether influenced by vengeance or their love for peace,it is hard to tell.

Macron’s comment at the Francophone Nations Summit in Tunisia was invigorated by the recent Anti-French protests which happened both in Burkina Faso this week and Niger last month. The citizens of these countries have been constantly demanding the departure of the french troops and the french ambassador s from their territory. The Burkinabes have taken it a notch higher by destroying the french embassy in Ouagadougou. This is what is seen by many in France and the entire west as Anti-French sentiments fueled by Russia. But is that really the case? Russia has presented itself to African countries as an anti-colonial and anti-imperialist at a time when Africans really needed a change. Decades of relying on the western world has brought them nothing of benefit. Now might be the time to face east and China and Russia are just the partners Africa require. While China builds the much needed infrastructure across the entire continent, Russia stabilises the security of the continent. Africa has received a massive facelift during the last decade courtesy of the Chinese efforts.Russia on the other hand is bolstering security in countries like Mali,Mozambique and the Central African Republic.

Western leaders such as Macron should acknowledge the fact that the world has changed and Africans now see clearly more than ever. They are able to analyze the situation and choose the options which works best for them. The patronizing attitude of France towards Francophone African nations dehumanizes and infantilizes the citizens of these countries. Whether or not the Russians fuel Anti-French propaganda doesn’t mean that Africans are not in a position to choose for themselves. The colonial legacy and the subsequent neocolonial orientation of the French are the major drivers of Anti-French sentiments all across the continent. The Africans are not interested in the new cold and cannot afford to choose which partners to work with and which ones to avoid. The new cold war is counterproductive. France and Russia must join hands and work together to help solve global issues.