Africa’s history has been marred by the insidious legacy of colonialism, which left lasting scars on the continent’s socio-political, economic, and cultural fabric. While formal colonial rule may have ended, the spectre of neo-colonialism still looms large, manifesting in various forms. The recent coup in the Niger Republic and the subsequent pro-coup riots shed light on the insidious legacy of colonialism and the urgent need to put an end to its influence on Africa.

Both the coup plotters and pro-coup protesters not only cited issues of corruption, electoral malpractice, and socio-economic disparities as their motivations, but they also affirmed the need to rid Africa of all vestiges of neo-colonial influences.

Historically, the neo-colonial powers, most especially France and Great Britain, have perpetuated and continued to perpetuate exploitations and divisions, taking advantage of intra and inter-ethnic and religious grievances or differences within and between African countries to further their parochial interests. The current military debacle in the Niger Republic is not in any way different from what was going on in both Mali and Burkina Faso. In fact, in these three countries, the coup plotters have enjoyed popular support from their citizens not because of the underlying reasons given by the coup plotters, but because of the need to get rid of neo-colonial influences in their daily lives.

As one of the coup plotters noted, “We must free ourselves from foreign puppetry.” If anything, this underscores the general feelings among Africans since the 1960s. Foreign influences in Africa’s socio-economic and political governance have ensured Africa’s subjugations since independence.

His Excellency, President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, in response to the Niger Republic coup, emphasized the importance of African unity to combat coup the incidence of coup plotting on the continent, especially given Africa’s past experience of military intrusion. As President Tinubu noted, African nations “must forge stronger bonds to resist attempts to manipulate our destinies.” This viewpoint reiterates the significance of collective action against military intervention.

Whether in the Niger Republic or in Mali or Burkina Faso, pro-coup rioters have left no one in doubt that they were more concerned with how external powers continue to exploit Africa’s resources, dictate to African governments, and exploit internal dissatisfaction within African nations in order to achieve their socio-economic and political goals that whatever reasons coup plotters are given for their intrusions. In other words, Africans are themselves ready to bear another round of military rule if it would rid Africa of foreign influences, neo-colonialism, and Western meddling and insults to African sovereignty.

While some have viewed pro-coup protests and their underlying reasons as genuine expressions of popular frustration, it is crucial to consider how these events can also be manipulated to advance neo-colonial agendas. As one rioter proclaimed, “We demand change from the oppressors,” it becomes evident that the rhetoric used aligns with anti-colonial sentiments. However, the challenge lies in discerning whether these calls for change are being co-opted by external interests, for example, the external interests of China and Russia.

Not too long ago, Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana expressed dissatisfaction with how the United States, Great Britain, and other Western powers have treated African nations. Citing the case of Libya, President Museveni decried how NATO refused to allow African leaders to mediate in the Libya Arab Rising, warning them not to land their planes in Libya or risk negative outcomes. These African leaders not only loudly denounced Euro-American treatments of African nations as beggar nations and ‘children’ who needed Euro-American tutelage in purely African affairs.

In truth, France’s hold on its former colonies in Africa is a direct challenge to the concept of sovereignty. As the case of its former colonies in West Africa showed, France’s main product upon which its economy depends is Francophone Africa. The largest number of French speakers globally is in Africa. France’s economy would collapse should Francophone Africa dump the franc. Not only that, but Francophone Africa’s uranium also provides France with electricity. Not only is France dependent on Francophone Africa, but it also ensures that Francophone Africa remains poor to ensure the perpetual milking of Francophone Africa for France’s benefit.

Are Africans right to demand an end to neo-colonialism, even at the expense of military intrusion? The recent coups in the Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, and Mali and the subsequent pro-coup riots in these nations underscore the urgency of ending neo-colonialism.

Between 1993 and 1999, I joined other Nigerians to restore democratic rules in Nigeria. We bled, lost body parts, and buried friends and family members in this process. Am I ready to support another round of military intrusion as a panacea to ridding Africa of neocolonialism? With pro-coup protesters rallying around the Russian and Chinese flags, what are the roles of China and Russia in the fight to rid Africa of neocolonialism? Are these Africans exchanging one neocolonialist nation for another? Like many people, I don’t support the coup, but I support the pro-coup protesters’ agitation to rid Africa of neocolonialism.

Can one do the first without the second?