In the tapestry of the Sahel’s geopolitical landscape, where cultures clash and histories intertwine, lies a hidden thread—the CFA Franc. This monetary scheme, meticulously crafted by the French treasury, serves as a stark reminder of France’s enduring grip on its former African colonies. Simultaneously, the region grapples with existential questions, echoed in Albert Camus’s philosophy, as military coups and shifting alliances reflect a deeper quest for autonomy and authenticity.
The African Coups: A Reassertion of Autonomy or a Descent into Chaos? Across the Sahel, the drums of rebellion echo through the corridors of power. Military coups, once seen as a relic of the past, have become a recurring theme in the region’s political landscape. In the expansive Sahel region, a covert conflict rages, drawing the attention of global powers vying for influence. Russia, France, China, and the United States find themselves entangled in this geopolitical chessboard, with Wagner, a private military company linked to the Kremlin, emerging as a key player in the fray.
But are these upheavals a reassertion of autonomy, a bold stand against foreign interference, or a descent into chaos and instability? Albert Camus, with his keen insight into the human condition, would perhaps see these coups as manifestations of a collective existential crisis—a desperate attempt to break free from the shackles of history and forge a new path forward.
Colonial Echoes in Monetary Chains? The roots of the CFA Franc delve deep into the annals of French colonialism, where Paris imposed its currency to solidify economic dominance. Despite superficial adjustments post-World War II, the currency consistently favored French interests, perpetuating neo-colonial exploitation. Guinea’s bold rejection of the CFA Franc and subsequent retaliation exemplify the high stakes of challenging French monetary control.
The Sahel’s Existential Crossroads and the Global Geopolitical Chessboard
In the heart of the Sahel, where the sun sets over vast expanses of desert and the winds whisper tales of ancient empires, a new chapter in Africa’s history is being written. It is a chapter marked by defiance, resilience, and a relentless quest for authenticity. As the Sahel navigates its existential crossroads, it holds a mirror to the world—a world grappling with its own demons of colonialism, oppression, and existential angst. Guinea’s defiance and subsequent repression epitomize the existential battle against imposed identities and external domination. The Sahel’s embrace of military coups reflects a collective yearning for authenticity, sovereignty, and liberation from historical cycles of submission.
Russia’s Embrace: An Existential Gambit for Autonomy or a New Form of Subjugation?
Amidst the shifting sands of geopolitics, Russia emerges as a new player in the Sahel’s existential drama. As France’s influence wanes and old alliances crumble, the Sahel turns to Moscow in a bid for autonomy and self-determination. But is Russia’s embrace a genuine gesture of solidarity, a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty, or a new form of subjugation disguised as friendship?
The Sahel’s Shadow War: Amidst the vast landscapes of the Sahel, a clandestine conflict brews, drawing in global powers with strategic interests. From Mali to Sudan, the region is a battleground where local dynamics intersect with international ambitions. At the heart of this struggle lies Wagner, a private military company with ties to the Kremlin.
Wagner’s Expansion: A new player in Africa, Wagner’s presence in the Sahel is pervasive, with contractors spread across Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, aiding rebel forces and disrupting Western interests. From Chad to Libya, Wagner’s reach extends, controlling strategic sites and mineral deposits, all while denying resources to geopolitical rivals. This expansionist agenda positions Wagner as a formidable force, challenging traditional power structures.
An Existential Struggle to Maintain Global Relevance: France, historically entrenched in its former African colonies, faces a formidable adversary in Wagner. France’s intervention in Mali aimed to stabilize the region and secure access to crucial resources. However, amid mounting opposition, including three military coups, France’s influence wanes, paving the way for Wagner’s ascent and igniting anti-French sentiment across the Sahel. As French flags burn and Russian influence rises, Paris grapples with maintaining its grip on the region. Despite military interventions and economic ties, France’s authority falters in the face of Wagner’s encroachment, forcing a reassessment of its African strategy.
A Quest for Economic Dominance: China, eyeing Africa’s vast mineral wealth, seeks to capitalize on the Sahel’s instability. With investments surging, Beijing looks to align with the winning side, potentially partnering with Wagner to protect its assets. This pragmatic approach underscores China’s growing influence in the region, challenging Western dominance and reshaping Africa’s economic landscape. As Europe grapples with Wagner’s presence, China eyes the opportunity to assert its economic dominance, mirroring the Russia-China alliance in Eurasia.
Caught in the Crossfire: For Sahelian nations, navigating this geopolitical minefield is fraught with peril. Caught between competing interests, leaders must balance alliances while safeguarding sovereignty. As Wagner’s influence grows, so too does the risk of escalation, threatening regional stability and exacerbating existing challenges of political instability and economic insecurity. With the Sahel at the epicenter of global rivalries, the key lies in playing all sides against each other while avoiding commitments that cannot be undone.
The Mechanics of Control: At the heart of the CFA Franc lies a web of intricate mechanisms controlled by the French treasury. Despite token gestures of Africanization, France’s veto power over critical policy decisions remains intact, facilitating the exploitation of African resources. Calls for regional currency blocs signal a desire to reclaim monetary autonomy and break free from neo-colonial chains. Russia stands ready to play the role of monetary Liberator via The BRICs, but French influence, a force unseen takes its stand: A beacon of culture, a legacy woven into what still unforeseen.
Forging a New Path: The Sahel’s struggle for economic and existential liberation unfolds against a backdrop of historical legacies and global power dynamics. Camus’s philosophy serves as a poignant lens through which to understand these events, highlighting the perpetual quest for autonomy, dignity, and authenticity. As the Sahel navigates its path, it confronts the existential challenge of asserting its essence in a world fraught with ambiguity, oppression, and the ever-present shadow of the absurd.
Navigating Global Rivalries: Caught in the crossfire of competing interests, Sahelian nations must tread carefully to protect their sovereignty. As Wagner’s influence spreads, the risk of escalation looms, threatening regional stability and exacerbating existing challenges of political instability and economic insecurity.
In a world where geopolitical rivalries shape destinies, African nations must chart a course that safeguards their interests while avoiding entanglements that jeopardize their autonomy. In this high-stakes game of power and influence, strategic maneuvering and calculated compromises will be essential to navigate the Sahel’s turbulent waters and secure a future free from external domination.
As the Sahel pivots towards new alliances, particularly with Russia, existential questions loom large. Camus’s philosophy offers insights into the region’s quest for meaning and freedom amid chaos and uncertainty. The embrace of Russian involvement reflects a desire to redefine identity and agency, yet risks falling into new patterns of dependency. In this shadow war of geopolitical intrigue, the pursuit of perfection yields to the art of the second best, where composure amidst uncertainty becomes paramount.
[Photo by Gavinevans, via Wikimedia Commons]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Emir J. Phillips DBA/JD MBA is a distinguished Financial Advisor and an Associate Professor of Finance at Lincoln University (HBCU) in Jefferson City, MO with over 35 years of extensive professional experience in his field. With a DBA from Grenoble Ecole De Management, France, Dr. Phillips aims to equip future professionals with a deep understanding of grand strategies, critical thinking, and fundamental ethics in business, emphasizing their practical application in the professional world.
