Nexus of Revolt: French Exploitation and Democracy Reversals in Africa

• In Event: Democratic Reversals and Breakdown in Africa

Abstract

This study explores the multifaceted dynamics of the revolt against France in Africa, with a particular focus on West Africa. It investigates the growing trend of military coups that pose a threat to democratic governance across the continent. Central to the analysis is the examination of the alleged exploitation of Francophone African nations by France, posited as a contributing factor to socio-political upheavals in the region. The research contends that France's historical and contemporary involvement in Africa has repercussions on governance, leading to suspicions of interference and the cultivation of governance structures aligned with French interests. The study posits that some military coups in select French-speaking African countries are perceived as acts of resistance against leaders viewed as proxies for the French government. The study relies on dependency theory, providing a lens through which to analyse the unequal power dynamics between African nations and external actors, in this case, France. This framework allows for an exploration of economic and political dependencies that may contribute to governance challenges. The study applies a mixed-methods approach where qualitative techniques were used for interviews and content analysis to gather perspectives from key stakeholders and analyse historical documents. While quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis of governance indicators and coup frequencies, complement the qualitative findings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between French influence, governance, and military coups in West Africa. This study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on African governance challenges, shedding light on the nuanced connections between external influences, military coups, and the quest for good governance in the region.

Author

• Akeem Olalekan Bello, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology