Haroon Assad
Recent developments in several West African countries, which have long been under French influence, have sparked discussions about the true extent of their independence. Despite gaining formal independence in the 1950s and 1960s, many Francophone African nations have remained economically and politically tethered to France. The term “Francophone” refers to the West African states where French is widely spoken, a legacy of colonization by France and Belgium. Even after decolonization, France has continued to exert significant control over these nations’ economies and governance structures. However, a notable exception has emerged in Burkina Faso, where the young and courageous military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has boldly challenged France’s undue interference in the country’s affairs.
West Africa consists of fifteen independent states that have formed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These states include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The shift towards greater autonomy in Africa has been a gradual process, influenced by the complex interplay of geopolitics, geostrategy, and geoeconomics, collectively referred to as neopolitics. While the US-led Western world was preoccupied with conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan, China was quietly advancing its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across various continents, with a particular focus on Africa.
In Burkina Faso, Captain Traore is seen by many as a modern-day Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader who promised basic necessities like two meals a day and clean drinking water for all. Traore’s stance against French interference has resonated deeply with the people. As of now, at least 52 African countries have entered into numerous agreements under the BRI framework, recognizing Africa as a crucial component of China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategy. The BRI is a global development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in 152 countries and international organizations. Interestingly, China has employed the principles of Sun Tzu, aiming to achieve its goals without direct confrontation.
China’s approach to Africa is distinct from that of former colonial powers. Instead of providing direct aid to African leaders, China focuses on investing in infrastructure projects such as railways, roads, ports, and energy facilities. This strategy, while beneficial in terms of improving Africa’s infrastructure, also raises concerns about debt sustainability and potential loss of sovereignty. This strategy contrasts sharply with the methods of former colonial empires, which often maintained their influence by supporting select leaders to control the economy and governance of African states.
To understand the changes occurring in Africa, it is essential to examine recent developments in some West African countries before considering China’s role. Burkina Faso, a former French colony, gained independence as Upper Volta in 1960. Despite its significant gold reserves, the country remains extremely poor. Its landlocked position makes it reliant on neighboring states, which are also impoverished. Additionally, Burkina Faso faces severe challenges from climate change, including droughts and famine, as well as political instability due to jihadist insurgencies from neighboring Mali. However, amidst these challenges, Burkina Faso has shown remarkable resilience and determination.
Amidst this turmoil, Captain Ibrahim Traore assumed leadership of Burkina Faso in September 2022. After a brief period of consolidation, he began to assert his independence. In January 2023, Traore demanded that French troops leave the country within a month. At the time, a contingent of 400 French troops was stationed in Burkina Faso to combat terrorism originating from Mali. Although France initially reacted sharply, it ultimately had no choice but to comply with Traore’s demand. This bold move by Traore could have significant long-term effects on Burkina Faso’s relationship with France and its autonomy in dealing with regional security issues.
Traore gained international attention when he attended the Russia-Africa summit in July 2023, alongside other African leaders. His speech at the summit garnered widespread praise, as he boldly declared that African heads of state must stop acting like puppets manipulated by imperialist powers. Traore emphasized the potential for African nations to strive for self-sufficiency in food production, a vision that resonates deeply with many who seek greater autonomy and independence for the continent, and offers a hopeful outlook for Africa’s future.
