A photograph appear on the Internet
By Dr Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad
France has maintained close ties with certain African leaders in West Africa, frequently putting their interests ahead of democracy and human rights. They have backed Equatorial Guinea’s president since 1979, Cameroon’s president since 1983, and even approved Ivory Coast’s president altering the constitution to allow him to run for president a third time. Recent events like the coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, and Guinea seem to reflect a pushback against French influence in the region.
Read: Who is Djibouti dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife?
Surprisingly, the United States has also appeared to align with France’s agenda in West Africa and it’s becoming a useful idiot in this whole political and security crisis in the Sahel region.
A wind of change sweeps across the Sahel. Recent coups & their attempts largely reflect the region’s yearning for overdue transformation.
Seeking new governance & alternative avenues, the Sahel nations grapple with instability & security concerns amidst popular citizenry aspirations for peace.
The French have kept these leaders in power despite its citizens crying for good governance and respect for the rights of the people.
Read: Who is Djibouti dictator Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife?
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (43-year rule) – Equatorial Guinea
Paul Biya (40-year rule) – Cameroon
Denis Sassou Nguesso (38-year rule) – Republic of the Congo
Ismail Omar Gelleh (25 years) – Djibouti