US Policy and the Sahel Currency: Nigeria’s Diplomatic Challenges in Africa
The Sahel is a region located in Africa, comprising countries such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal. The recent introduction of The Sahel currency by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signals a noteworthy shift in power dynamics within Francophone Africa. This shift can be attributed to the tacit policy of self-destruction by the United States and France’s indifference to anti-French sentiments in Africa. Furthermore, the involvement of China, Russia, and Turkiye in supporting Francophone countries in their resistance against France has further intensified this dynamic.
The foreign policy of the United States has raised apprehensions regarding its capacity to act as a neutral mediator in international relations, particularly concerning conflicts such as the Israelo-Palestinian conflict. The threat of sanctions against African states that oppose the interests of US foreign policy has compelled developing nations to seek alternative allies, notably China and Russia. Similarly, the waning influence of France in Africa is evident in the resistance from Francophone West African nations, which have expressed unwelcoming sentiments towards France.
The introduction of The Sahel as a new currency has the potential to challenge France’s longstanding influence in Africa. France’s control over the CFA franc and foreign reserves in Francophone nations is now under threat due to the emergence of the new currency. Furthermore, the efforts of the Elysée presidency and the Matignon government to oust the military junta in Niamey could further undermine France’s position in Africa.
Nigeria, under the leadership of President Tinubu, is currently grappling with diplomatic challenges as it navigates the evolving dynamics in Africa. The diminishing influence of the US and France, coupled with the increasing influence of China and Russia, poses a significant challenge to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. Nigeria’s stance towards France and the new Sahel currency carries crucial implications for upholding regional stability. Additionally, the country’s response to the heightened support from China and Russia to African nations rebelling against France represents a pivotal diplomatic decision.
As the chair of ECOWAS, and given its proximity to France as a neighbouring nation, Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Francophone Africa carry utmost significance. Nigeria must carefully balance its foreign policy to prevent France from leveraging neighbouring Francophone countries against its interests. President Tinubu’s approach to these diplomatic challenges, referred to as Tinubuplomacy, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s response to the evolving dynamics in Francophone Africa and the challenges posed by The Sahel currency.
