French influence in Africa shifts as Nigeria signs controversial Paris deal
French-African relations face major changes as former colonies cut ties while Nigeria forms new partnerships. Recent deals and leadership changes across the continent show a complex shift in regional dynamics
Bola Tinubu visited Paris last week - a first Nigerian state visit to France in over twenty years. The meeting showed Frances quick-paced shift toward English-speaking African nations after losing influence in its former colonies
The visit happened right after Chad and Senegal (on 11/28) cut-off their military deals with France. Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad seems to use this as a pre-election move; while making deals with Hungary and re-connecting with US forces
In a much-talked about moment French military band played Nigerian music with fake accents; which didnt help the already tense situation. The critical-minerals deal signed between France and Nigeria got heavy push-back from locals:
The French are not Taking Over No where in the document was it agreed or suggested that Nigeria has signed away Mining Rights
Meanwhile in West Africa John Dramani Mahama won Ghanaʼs presidency with 56.6% votes. The ex-presidentʼs win adds to the musical-chairs game of Ghanaʼs leadership - as the country deals with its 17th IMF bail-out
Belgian justice system made a ground-breaking decision: five mixed-race women (now in their 70s) from colonial Congo times will get pay-back money for being taken from their families. This comes after Belgiumʼs sorry note in 2019 to about twenty-thousand victims
Cultural news brings fresh air: Koyo Kouoh from Cameroon becomes first African woman to lead Venice Biennale art show. Egyptʼs tourism slowly gets better after Gaza war impact: visitor money now makes 8.1% of countrys GDP (up from 8% in 2023)
- German leader visits Nigeria (12/11-12)
- South Africa hosts G-20 meet
- Nigeria inflation numbers coming (12/15)
