Rethinking U.S. and French Cooperation and Security Strategy in West/Central Africa

Abstract

Twenty years of American security and engagement strategy in West and Central Africa have failed to address the short term threats of terrorism and the long term geopolitical challenges posed by rising Chinese influence across the continent. This thesis argues that increased partnership with France in these regions presents the most effective and realistic way for the United States to achieve its security and grand strategic objectives.

The United States is reluctant to invest the personnel and resources needed to establish a large scale military and economic presence in West Africa. However, French influence in their former colonies presents an alternative means of engagement. France’s political, military, economic, and educational connection to West and Central Africa, combined with their willingness to commit resources and personnel, makes them the ideal partner for a new U.S. regional strategy. By tapping into a phenomenon known as déclinsime, which is the belief among French citizens that France is world power in decline, the United States can push the French to engage in new ways and open themselves up to increased partnership in Africa. In the case of Cote D’Ivoire, the best course of action for the United States is to support ongoing French stabilization efforts, even if it means furthering Ivorian dependence on French military support. In contrast, the case study of Cameroon presents an example of when the United States should encourage increased autonomy of regional actors.

In Cote D’Ivoire, the most compelling reason for the United States to support French military and business engagement comes in the form of an existing Franco-African elite that the United States can capitalize on. As a result of France’s colonial legacy, these elites, known as the Françafrique, have an influence over the political, defensive, and business policies in Cote D’Ivoire that cannot be overstated. Additionally, after the collapse of the governments in Burkina Faso and Mali led to the expulsion of French forces, the need for the United States to support French efforts at stabilizing the deteriorating regional security situation is critical.

In contrast to the example provided by Cote D’Ivoire, Cameroon demonstrates a case in which the United States should take a more hands-off approach, supporting the efforts of the French and of regional actors in their drive to become militarily more self-reliant. While this would undermine France’s efforts to retain their military influence, it would present a more sustainable, African-led approach to countering the spread of terrorism.

Despite the different policy approaches, there are many areas of potential collaboration between France and the United States. First, however, the United States, must understand the historical and contemporary factors that drive French policy in West and Central Africa, allowing for the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships. At the strategic level, both countries should expand cooperation in popular military training exercises in West Africa, of which both are already central contributors to. In the economic sphere, the United States should use its influence over international financial institutions to support legacy French businesses across the region to reinvigorate existing French private investments, which offer alternatives to Chinese state-run corporations. If the United States and France capitalize on these opportunities for collaboration, both countries will build towards achieving their security and grand strategic goals.