Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged African leaders to reconsider deepening relations with France, calling instead for stronger strategic partnerships with the United States.
Frank made the call on Tuesday in a statement reacting to the ongoing “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit” in Nairobi, Kenya, which has attracted French President Emmanuel Macron and several African leaders, including President Bola Tinubu.
He argued that decades of French influence across Africa, particularly in West Africa, had failed to translate into meaningful development despite the continent’s vast natural resources.
According to him, recent political upheavals in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger reflect growing public dissatisfaction with France’s long-standing role in Francophone Africa.
“France has nothing more to offer Africa. African leaders must avoid any arrangement that will drag the continent back into economic and political bondage,” Frank said.
He added that the military takeovers in some West African countries had exposed what he described as years of exploitation under French influence.
“Since the military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Africans have become more aware that France has largely benefited from the continent without giving commensurate returns,” he stated.
Frank, however, urged African leaders to shift focus towards the United States, particularly in areas such as security cooperation, electoral reforms, trade and investment.
He maintained that a stronger Africa–US partnership would yield better outcomes for the continent.
“We believe Africa will get a better deal with the United States than with France. Priority should be given to insecurity, election integrity and stronger economic relations,” he said.
The political activist also called for enhanced collaboration with Washington in the fight against terrorism and in strengthening democratic institutions across Africa.
Frank, who is also an international affairs advocate, said African countries should renegotiate their engagements with global powers in ways that directly benefit citizens.
He alleged that France’s historical influence in parts of Africa amounted to economic domination, accusing it of backing leaders who serve its interests.
“As long as African leaders are doing France’s bidding, France will protect them even when their people reject them,” he claimed.
He cited countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic and Cameroon, alleging that they remain heavily influenced by France’s economic and political interests.
Frank further argued that countries which have distanced themselves from French influence were beginning to record improvements in governance and economic direction.
He also backed the idea of an Africa–United States summit, describing it as a more beneficial platform for continental development than renewed Africa–France engagements.
According to him, future cooperation with the US should be anchored on mutual respect and democratic values, adding that such engagement would better serve Africa’s long-term interests.
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