African Leaders Urged to Strengthen Ties with U.S.

Frank, an advisor at the Africa Forward Africa Franc Partnership Innov Growth Summit, urged African leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reject France and deepen strategic alliances with the United States. He highlighted the diminishing influence of France in West Africa despite the region's abundant natural resources.

Recent political developments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were cited as examples of France's exploitative relationships with African nations. Frank emphasized that African leaders should not fall for new arrangements that could lead to economic and political bondage.

He called for stronger bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in areas of security, electoral integrity, trade, and investment. Frank argued that Africa would benefit more from partnerships based on mutual interests and democratic values, contrasting this with France's historical support for leaders that protect French interests over those of African citizens.

He cited examples of countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, and Cameroon as being under France's stranglehold.