Comrade Timi Frank
Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank has called on African leaders to prioritise stronger strategic partnerships with the United States over renewed cooperation with France, saying Africa stands to gain more from Washington in key areas such as security, trade, and governance.
Frank made the remarks in a statement reacting to the ongoing Africa-France partnership discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside other African leaders.
He argued that decades of French influence in parts of West and Central Africa have not translated into sustainable development, despite the continent’s vast natural resources. According to him, African countries should rethink their external alliances and pursue agreements that directly benefit citizens.
Frank said the United States would be a “better partner” for Africa, particularly in addressing insecurity, improving electoral systems, boosting investment, and strengthening democratic institutions. He also called for a future Africa–US summit, describing it as more beneficial than continued France-Africa engagements.
He further criticised France’s historical role on the continent, alleging that it has maintained political and economic influence in several countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Cameroon. He described this influence as harmful and limiting to African sovereignty.
Frank added that countries which have reduced French influence, such as Burkina Faso, are beginning to explore alternative economic and security partnerships.
He urged African leaders to renegotiate international relationships based on equality and national interest, saying past arrangements have often favoured external powers more than African citizens.
While acknowledging shortcomings in previous US-African relations, Frank said Africa should use diplomacy to secure more favourable terms moving forward, especially in trade, security cooperation, and democratic governance support.
He concluded that a stronger Africa–United States partnership could better serve the continent’s long-term development goals compared to traditional France-Africa frameworks.
