In a significant geopolitical move, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have introduced a new currency, “The Sahel,” signaling a shift in Africa’s economic landscape. This move comes amid changing global dynamics and challenges to the dominance of traditional Western powers, particularly the United States and France.
The Sahel, not to be confused with the biogeographic region, is seen as a step towards asserting autonomy and sovereignty in Francophone Africa. The initiative is propelled by three main dynamics: the United States’ perceived self-destruction in global affairs, France’s disregard for anti-French sentiments in Africa, and the support from China, Russia, and Turkey for Francophone countries rebelling against French influence.
The United States’ questionable role as a mediator in international conflicts, coupled with its warnings of sanctions against countries opposing its foreign policy interests, has led to a decline in global respect for the nation. The emergence of alternative alliances with China, Russia, and Turkey is seen as a response to this perceived decline.
France’s unwavering support for NATO interests in Africa, despite anti-French sentiments, has fueled the desire for autonomy among African nations. The replacement of the CFA franc with The Sahel challenges France’s economic stronghold, as the new currency implies a withdrawal of foreign reserves from French banks.
The global power dynamics, with the rise of China and Russia, have created a complex scenario for Nigeria’s foreign policy, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubuplomacy faces the challenge of balancing Franco-Nigerian interests, preventing France from using Francophone Africa against Nigeria in the ECOWAS region, and resisting Nigeria’s instigation against France’s ties with Africa.
France’s potential military intervention in Niger to remove the Abdourahamane Tchiani military junta may face resistance, given the military governments in West Africa’s widespread popular support. The Sahel initiative, backed by Russia, China, and Turkey, signifies a growing alternative power bloc challenging Western influence in Africa.
Nigeria’s foreign policy must navigate the incompatibility of Franco-Nigerian interests, the declining influence of the United States and France, and the rising influence of Russia and China. The emergence of The Sahel, along with existing regional currencies like the Eco, poses questions about the future of currency dynamics in West Africa.
As the Sahel becomes a focal point of geopolitical shifts, Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, faces crucial decisions in determining its alignment and approach in the evolving global landscape. The delicate balance between preserving regional stability and asserting national interests requires strategic diplomacy in the face of an increasingly multipolar world.