In a sharp critique, former APC Deputy Spokesperson Timi Frank has called on African leaders to sever ties with France, branding the European nation as exploitative. Speaking on Tuesday, Frank accused France of decades-long resource extraction without fostering genuine development across the continent.
His remarks come in the wake of the ongoing ‘Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit’ in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African heads of state, including Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Frank argued that despite Africa’s vast natural wealth, nations—especially in West Africa—have little to show for years of French influence. He pointed to recent political shifts in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as evidence of what he termed France’s predatory relationship with its former colonies.
“France has no meaningful contribution left to offer Africa. African leaders must avoid any fresh agreements that could entangle the continent in renewed economic and political servitude,” Frank stated.
According to him, the military takeovers in several Francophone countries have shed light on what he described as a legacy of exploitation. “Since the coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, it has become clear to Africans that France was merely exploiting their people and resources, offering nothing substantial in return,” he said.
Frank further urged African leaders to pivot toward the United States instead of maintaining ties with France, suggesting that a new alignment could yield better outcomes for the continent.