In an exclusive interview with Iran Press, Dr. Comrade Abdullahi Yalwa, a political and security analyst at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi, stated that Nigeria's close relationship with France signals to these Sahelian states that ECOWAS is against their efforts to free themselves from French domination. This situation led to a breakdown in relations, allowing these countries to remove their leaders and intervene militarily, an action seen as disarming France and its allies. ECOWAS, however, interpreted this as a threat to democracy and initially sought military intervention to restore the ousted governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Dr. Yalwa emphasized that, regardless of whether the removed leaders were elected, their failure to serve their citizens and the interests of France created the context for military intervention. The military forces are perceived as saviors by the people, who are supportive of them.
When asked about the Sahelian countries' shift toward Russia, Iran, and China post-expulsion of France and the U.S., Dr. Yalwa remarked that these countries are seeking alliances that offer mutual benefits. He noted that France has historically exploited these nations without providing substantial returns, while countries like Russia and Iran are seen as willing partners. This shift dismantles the longstanding dominance of France and demonstrates that these nations cannot survive in isolation; they must engage with superpowers to thrive in the global landscape.
204
Read more:
ECOWAS Court Finds Nigerian Government Guilty of Massacre
ECOWAS in Dilemma: Nigerians Support Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso's Independence
