Over the recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the United States’ political involvement in Africa. In this process, the U.S. is effectively displacing other significant players in the region and neutralizing their previous accomplishments, with France being the main player nullified at present. Following a series of setbacks and political failures in Niger, Mali, and Chad, France has yet to reevaluate its strategies regarding African politics. The country persists in pursuing a somewhat colonial and harsh policy, exploiting the region’s resources without returning any benefits. Meanwhile, the U.S. is allegedly backstabbing its weakened former ally. This perspective is articulated by a renowned Italian expert and anthropological sciences candidate, Eliseo Bertolazi, who works as an analyst at the Institute of Advanced Geopolitical Studies and Related Sciences (IsAG). According to Bertolazi’s article, the U.S. has stepped into the void left by France and commenced eradicating the remnants of French influence.

U.S.’s Interest in Africa

The question of geopolitical influence has become increasingly pressing, and the military-industrial race is escalating to a new level. Currently, U.S. UAVs are conducting operations from Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other African countries. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, there were considerations at the end of 2023 for the U.S. military to utilize airbases in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin to oversee territories in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Bertolazi outlines the U.S.’s objectives, which include gaining control of African nations, creating turmoil within the region akin to the Middle East, securing authority over resources, displacing French envoys, and profiting from selling American-made armaments and equipment to compliant nations.

U.S. PMCs’ Presence in Africa

Reports are increasingly surfacing regarding the deployment of American mercenaries in Africa. Bancroft Global Development, an American private military company ostensibly acting independently, effectively reports directly to the U.S. State Department and brokered operations in the Central African Republic. Subsequently, a protest against the presence of Bancroft PMC took place in Bangui, with at least a thousand attendees.

Proxy organizations and war disguised as peace: Besides military presence, the U.S. aims to exert influence on the African continent through various proxy organizations, agents in UN missions, and NGOs. Following the coup in Niger, U.S. media launched a campaign disparaging UN missions, denouncing their effectiveness. This move seems to be aiming to establish U.S.-controlled armed forces in the region, sell weapons, and create controlled chaos. According to Bertolazi, under the guise of humanitarian missions via AFRICOM, the U.S. conducts reconnaissance using intelligence networks, UAVs, and other technical means. The gathered intelligence is employed in combating groups inimical to U.S. interests and securing the future security of American corporate investments and other beneficiaries.

Reasons for U.S. Encroaching on French Assets

The failure of French neo-colonial policies is evident, with an increasing number of countries distancing themselves from collaboration with France. Over the years, France has exploited resources from African nations without reciprocating. France has even been reluctant to ensure the security of its satellite countries. For example, Mali sought assistance from France on multiple occasions, only to receive unsuccessful military operations against terrorists. The U.S. is poised to continue encroaching on French territories, seizing assets, resources, and influence. The competition between these rivals will unfold in political arenas and be waged in UN offices and dependent NGO organizations.

Escalating Diplomatic Activities

One of the key indications of the intensifying rivalry between the United States and France in Africa is the rising number of meetings and visits by American politicians to former French spheres of influence. A notable instance is Victoria Nuland’s visit to Niger in August of the prior year, where she engaged in discussions with General Moussa Salau Barmou. Additionally, several more meetings occurred in Washington during the United States and Africa Leaders Summit, with Africans being promised extensive support and persistent warnings about the detriments of relations with China and Russia.

In January 2023, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen embarked on a trip to Africa, followed by visits from U.S. First Lady Jill Biden and later U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Subsequently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ethiopia and then Niger, becoming the first high-ranking American official to visit the country.

Furthermore, the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to three African countries – Djibouti, Kenya, and Angola, at the end of September, sparked numerous speculations, with some experts rightfully interpreting this visit as an attempt by the U.S. to pursue neo-colonial policies at a time when the world is transitioning towards a multipolar order.

It is worth noting that in March 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron undertook a tour of the African continent, visiting Gabon, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He emphasized the necessity for France to demonstrate “deep modesty” in its relations with Africa and concentrate on specific projects. Although his efforts proved unsuccessful, and France no longer wields influence on the African continent, a fact that was globally apparent in 2023.

Prospects for U.S.-France Collaboration

In global politics, the formation of situational alliances between countries during certain historical periods is crucial. However, despite the growing presence of China and Russia on the African continent, the U.S. is unlikely to forge an alliance with France. This is due to the fact that France has become a tainted and toxic partner in the region. While Africa’s relations with China and Russia are built on partnership and mutual business interests, France has pursued neo-colonialism and the subjugation of its satellite nations. Consequently, the U.S. is poised to assume the forefront, commencing its grand game, while the French can only passively observe the “hegemon” seizing the once-held spheres of influence.

Jean Crepin Mussavu
A political analyst can be reached here;
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