Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged African leaders to strengthen strategic partnerships with the United States rather than enter into fresh agreements with France. He accused the European nation of exploiting Africa for decades without delivering meaningful development.
Call for Stronger US Ties
Frank made the call on Tuesday while reacting to the ongoing Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement, Frank argued that African countries, particularly in West Africa, have little to show for years of French influence despite their vast natural and human resources.
According to him, recent political developments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have exposed what he described as France's exploitative relationship with African nations. "France has nothing more to offer Africa. African leaders must not fall into any new arrangement that could drag the continent back into economic and political bondage," he said.
Positive Changes After Breaking Away
He maintained that the military takeovers in some Francophone African countries had awakened many Africans to what he termed decades of exploitation by France. "Since the military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Africans have seen more clearly that France was benefiting from the people and their resources without giving meaningful value in return," he stated.
Frank called on African leaders to pursue stronger bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in the areas of security, electoral integrity, trade and investment. "We believe Africa stands to gain a better deal with the United States than with France. The focus should be on tackling insecurity, strengthening democratic institutions and building stronger economic ties," he said.
The international affairs adviser also advocated increased cooperation with the U.S. in combating terrorism and promoting democratic governance across the continent. Speaking in his capacity as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank urged African leaders to renegotiate terms of engagement with the United States in ways that would directly benefit African citizens.
"Wherever we believe the United States has fallen short in the past, it is our responsibility to identify those areas and negotiate better terms that will serve Africa's interests," he added.
France's Influence as Modern Slavery
He described France's longstanding influence in parts of Africa as a form of "modern slavery," alleging that Paris historically supported leaders who protected French interests regardless of the wishes of their citizens. "As long as African leaders continue to serve France's interests, France will continue to protect them, even when their people no longer want them in office," he claimed.
Frank cited Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic and Cameroon as examples of countries he said remain under France's economic grip. He further argued that countries distancing themselves from French influence were beginning to witness positive changes. "Since breaking away from France, countries like Burkina Faso have shown signs of progress. That demonstrates clearly that Africa does not need France to survive or prosper," he said.
Support for Africa-US Summit
The political activist also endorsed the idea of an Africa-U.S. summit, describing it as potentially more beneficial and productive than renewed France-Africa engagements. "An Africa-U.S. summit will benefit Africa far more than any France-Africa arrangement. African leaders should focus on building stronger and more balanced ties with the United States," he said.
Frank expressed optimism that the administration of President Donald Trump could offer Africa a more mutually beneficial partnership anchored on shared interests, security cooperation and democratic values.
