As current coups in Africa seize the world’s consideration, an skilled mentioned the adjustments within the former French colonies might push them to seek out options.
Elem Eyrice Tepeciklioğlu from African Studies at Ankara Social Sciences University informed Anadolu Agency (AA) on Thursday that nations like Russia, China, India and Türkiye might emerge as new choices for Africans, demonstrating that France is not their sole alternative.
Tepeciklioğlu mentioned that the seizure of energy by a bunch of troopers within the Central African nation of Gabon on Aug. 30 has added to the collection of coups in former French colonial nations. “There is a growing anti-French sentiment in Gabon and the region, with criticism directed at the patronizing style of French leaders. Nevertheless, France continues to be a significant trading partner for countries like Gabon, placing it at the center of regional attention,” she added.
Tepeciklioğlu famous that whereas Russia is fascinated with Africa for its assets and arms potential, the Ukraine battle is the next precedence. “The emerging anti-French sentiment in Africa is creating a power gap that Russia is willing to fill, although it’s not a major player in the region. While Russia had a more active role in Africa during the Cold War, its current focus on the Ukraine crisis limits its resources for the continent,” she mentioned.
She mentioned that Africa’s consecutive coups and rising anti-French sentiment indicated a need for independence and freedom from colonial ties. She additionally warned towards extreme reliance on overseas actors like Russia, which has provided Soviet-era weapons to many African nations, resulting in a dependency on it for upkeep, spare components and army coaching.
Nevertheless, “Africans will see Russia, China, India or Türkiye as alternative foreign powers. This diversification of trade partners is economically crucial since France depends on Africa’s resources, and if these nations seek new alternatives, France will have to adjust,” she added.
Referring to allegations that France is planning to regain affect in Africa by altering governments, she mentioned: “There were known disagreements between the Bongo family in power and France before the Aug. 30 coup in Gabon, but there is no evidence of external support for the coup. It seems the military took control due to favorable conditions.”
Highlighting that the Bongo household had been in energy in Gabon since 1967, with Ali Bongo taking on in 2009, she mentioned: “The military argued that the government, which had been in power for many years, no longer represented the people, was tainted by corruption, and had led to income inequality. These conditions made it easier for the military to seize control.”
“The public’s lack of belief within the present authorities led to protests towards Ali Bongo’s third presidential election win, and the army’s takeover was met with immense pleasure within the nation,” she added.
After a contested election on Aug. 26, the army took management in Gabon on Aug. 30, following related occasions in Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Ali Bongo secured his third presidential win. However, the army administration, referred to as “the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions” (CTRI), invalidated the election outcomes and closed the nation’s borders.
Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, the pinnacle of the elite Republican Guard, was appointed as chairperson of the CTRI and president of the transitional authorities. The Bongo household had ruled Gabon for 56 years.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
