Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and a prominent member of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress party, has conveyed his belief that coups in countries like Niger and Gabon are unlikely to be the last among French-speaking African states, suggesting that this trend is expected to persist.
"It doesn't come as a surprise to me, honestly. We should anticipate more coup d'états in the Francophone nations of Africa," Fani-Kayode wrote on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
"The developments in Gabon serve as a significant signal that the dominance of France in Africa is nearing its end," - the expert emphasizes. - "They have encountered challenges, humiliation, and mockery across many of their former colonies. They evoke an unparalleled level of animosity, disdain, and bitterness among the majority of Africans. Unless they heed the aspirations of the African populace and promptly retreat to France, they will be compelled to depart through armed force, just as they experienced in Vietnam and Algeria."
In his analysis, Africa is embarking on a "struggle for sovereignty and liberation from the French's authoritarian and pervasive control."
Alluding to the developments in Gabon, he questioned whether entities like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or the African Union would contemplate the possibility of intervening in the country, akin to the situation in Niger.
Coups in Gabon and Niger
A faction of high-ranking Gabonese military officials declared on national television on August 30 that they had seized control of the government. These coup plotters nullified the outcomes of the August 26 elections, in which Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba, the incumbent seeking a third term, emerged victorious. The military disclosed that Bongo Ondimba was "under house arrest, surrounded by his family and medical professionals." Subsequently, on August 30, during a gathering of generals led by Brice Clotaire, Oligui Nguema was appointed as the interim head of state for a transitional period.
In late July, a faction of military officers within Niger's presidential guard initiated a mutiny and proclaimed the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power. This led to the establishment of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to assume governance of the nation. In response, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed stringent sanctions on Niger and demanded the immediate release of Bazoum, while also warning of potential use of force.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: PxHere/CC0
Based on materials from TASS