the West must maintain its grip

From 2020 approximately 13 foreign countries have a military presence in Africa. Africa is the second largest continent in the world and has grown to a major source of foreign military activities because of its proximity to the Middle East and Asia. This is not just a relic of colonial history, but a conscious strategic decision based on contemporary geopolitical realities.

Historically, Africa was recognized by world powers before the colonial era. The focus on essential resources is the reason that Africa cannot be free from Western and European interests.

International military bases in Africa

France has colonized more than 12 African countries and has not been willing to lose its dominance over the countries it has colonized since independence. The UK is one of the largest holders of foreign assets in Africa. There are also several US-UK partnerships in Congo, Nigeria, Ghana and the Sahel region.

China, the UAE and Russia have recently increased their presence and influence in Africa. They are in Africa with a different mindset than their former colonial masters: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (launched in 2014) is China’s signature vision for reshaping its global engagement. As of August 2022, 52 African countries have signed an agreement with One Belt One Road initiatives.

Russia is involved in military cooperation and arms sales in Africa. Since 2015, Russia has signed military cooperation agreements with more than 40 African countries.

Why are they there?

There are three reasons for this continued presence: historical ties, commercial importance and security.

Africa is rich in natural resources including oil, gas, minerals and rare earth elements, which are vital to the global economy. Western and European countries have significant investments in Africa and that is where their interest lies.

The British and French were the dominant colonial presence. Critics have maintained that the French military presence in Africa, particularly in the French-speaking countries, has always allowed France to be at the forefront of conflict resolution and management strategies.

Many believe that foreign military bases increase the terrorist threat, as imperialist powers collaborate with terrorist groups to maintain influence over the continent’s economies and political leadership.

French authorities responded to critics by stressing their main military mission in Africa: training soldiers, increasing their capacity to fight terror and protecting national borders and maritime territory through peacekeeping missions, intelligence services and logistics.

In any case, the recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – in which junta leaders expelled French soldiers from the country – have been praised by many Africans, but have not been well received by the French authorities.

The British, Americans and Russians

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi removed US and British military bases from Libya in 1970 as part of his broader agenda to reduce Western influence and assert Libya’s sovereignty. Gaddafi and other Pan-African leaders understood why the US and Europe were keen to establish military bases in Africa – that Africa’s resources were a major consideration in NATO countries’ military build-ups.

This contributed to his long-term hostility towards Western powers, which later resulted in significant geopolitical conflicts. Gaddafi became the enemy of the West and in 2011 he was eliminated during the NATO intervention in Libya.

In 2024, the Nigerian government faced significant pressure and controversy over the potential establishment of US and French military bases on its soil. Northern Nigerian leaders and various civil society groups fiercely opposed these plans, arguing that foreign military bases could exacerbate economic and environmental problems, divert critical resources from essential public services, and exacerbate local tensions.

They also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Western military interventions, pointing to the dramatic increase in terrorism despite continued US and French military operations in the region.

Russia has increased its military cooperation in African countries where coups have taken place. Therefore, Burkina Faso has a strong alliance with Russia, which is against the interests of the West and France.

Russia aims to establish military bases in six African countries, including the Central African Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Madagascar, Mozambique and Sudan. The move is seen as part of Russia’s strategy to counter the influence of the US, UK and France, and to ensure that Africa remains a multipolar arena and is not dominated by a single external power.

The terrorist issue

Some argue that the spread of terrorism and extremist groups in Africa poses a direct threat to global security. As a result, regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and parts of West Africa have become popular places for organizations such as Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab.

These terrorist organizations are seen as the main reason why there is an increase in foreign military bases in Africa. It is also believed that it will be crucial for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations and support of local military forces.

Critics argue that the presence of foreign military bases in Africa has not been effective in the fight against terrorism. As evidence, they cite the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rise of militant groups on the continent.

Despite international military efforts, the DRC has endured more than 30 years of insurgency and terrorism with no solution in sight. Moreover, the number of active militant Islamist groups has increased from five in 2010 to more than 25 in 2024, even as foreign military bases operate in Africa.

Critics also argue that maintaining military bases in Africa helps protect investments from instability and conflict. Moreover, these bases protect critical infrastructure and trade routes, and ensure a steady flow of resources to global markets. Stability in Africa is not just a regional concern, but a global economic imperative.

Africa must earn respect worldwide

The strategic economic importance of Western and European countries is a sign that they always want their military bases to be in Africa. These bases are there to protect their interests and wage war against internal and external influences.

Critics argue that the US and European military bases abroad are not primarily intended to combat violent extremism or rebel groups (which is another good excuse to have military bases in Africa), but that they are on the continent to address broader problems, advance their economic interests and maintain geopolitical influence.

As global dynamics continue to evolve, Africa’s importance in international affairs will only increase. This is essential for Africa to anticipate and invest in their military and protect their borders as a sovereign state.

Africa will have to balance strategic interests with respect for African sovereignty. This development will be essential for growth and mutual respect, and will bring Africa to its rightful place.