COUPS AND WEST AFRICA’S DIPLOMACY

There were rumours of attempted coup in Senegal! Obviously, Russia has its roles, frustrating France from the corridors of West Africa to further decimate Western hegemony. France has been treating these countries as “farmhouses” for years. France has been less benevolent in oppression compared to Britain. Can such happen in Nigeria? Never! Although, Nigeria need not be militarily invasive but defensive in this kind of political onslaughts.

 Do I support such coup? No! An ambitious visionary should contest and win or sneak in as a useful appointee. Do I support France or Russia? No! They are both for resources of Africa especially for long-term energy policy but Russia is a “benevolent devil”. The masses/mob will always be emotional and less rational. Hence, many are excited about the coup displacing French- controlled authorities in their countries, “anything but French sentiments”. Unknown to the mob that we are repeating history.  

 Irrespective of West Africa’s sentiments against France, francophone countries in West Africa should apply more of independent strategies than usual blind emotions. These leaders should learn from the delayed tactics of China in gaining economic strength through science, technology, agriculture and trade to check the West. Most of these coupists in disguise of strong leadership have enabled massive self-enrichment in the past and will repeat the same crookery. If we examine the infrastructural developments in francophone North Africa, we will understand the dynamism of “external-internal aided exploitation” in West Africa. Francophone West Africa need not be blindly emotional when it has no advantage of strength but seek alliance of Russia militarily to negotiate with France for more economic independence and win colleague-to-colleague partnership against existing boss-to-boy relationship. Their military need not pursue political power but in-house political checks through Russian aided military. Francophone West African economy is so fragile and webbed to France/West that it will need more clear-headed approach for long-term wins.

 Unfortunately, coups distract and derail any leadership, institution or vision irrespective of the good intentions as it makes the power struggle very disorganized, brutal and less intelligent, modern visionary Asians learnt this reality. Until the black aristocrats of all cadres learn to prioritize societal advancement like they prioritize self-enrichment, no coups or systems will truly uplift Black Africa.

 Mujib Dada-Kadri, Esq., Abuja