As of 2020, approximately 13 foreign countries have a military presence in Africa. Africa is the second-largest continent globally and has become a major source of foreign military activity due to its proximity to the Middle East and Asia. This is not just a relic of colonial history, but a deliberate strategic decision based on contemporary geopolitical realities.
Historically, Africa was recognised by global powers before the colonial era. The focus on essential raw materials is the reason Africa cannot be free from Western and European interests.
International military bases in Africa
France colonised more than 12 African countries, and since independence, is not willing to lose grip of dominance of the countries they colonised. The UK is one of the largest holders of foreign assets in Africa. Also, there are several US and UK cooperations in Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Sahel region.
China, UAE and Russia have recently increased their presence and influence in Africa. They are in Africa with a different mindset to the former colonial masters: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (launched in 2014) is China’s signature vision for reshaping its global engagements. As of August 2022, 52 African nations have signed an agreement with One Belt One Road initiatives.
Russia has engaged in military cooperation and arms sales in Africa. Since 2015 Russia has signed military cooperation agreements with more than 40 African countries.
Why they are there
There are three reasons for this continued presence: historical links, commercial interest and security.
Africa is rich in natural resources including oil, gas, minerals, and rare earth elements, vital for the global economy. Western and European nations have significant investments in Africa and that is where their interest lies.
The British and French were the dominant colonial presence. Critics have upheld that the French military presence in Africa, especially in the Francophone countries, has always enabled France to be at the forefront of conflict resolution and management strategies.
Many have shared the sentiments that foreign military bases have aggravated more terrorist threats with imperial power working in unison with the terrorist groups to maintain influence over the continent’s economies and political leadership.
The French authority responded to critics while emphasising their primary military mission in Africa: train soldiers, enhance their ability to combat terror and protect land borders and maritime territory through peacekeeping, intelligence and logistics.
Regardless, the recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – where junta leaders kicked out French soldiers – have been a subject of praise by many Africans, but this does not go down well with 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 eager to establish military bases in Africa – that Africa’s raw materials are an important consideration in the military build-up of the NATO countries.
This contributed to his long-standing animosity with Western powers, which later resulted in significant geopolitical conflicts. Gaddafi became the enemy of the West and in 2011 during NATO intervention in Libya he was eliminated.
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 several civil society groups strongly opposed these plans, arguing that foreign military bases could aggravate economic and environmental issues, divert critical resources from essential public services, and increase local tensions.
They also raised concerns about the effectiveness of Western military interventions, citing the dramatic rise in terrorism despite prolonged US and French military operations in the region.
Russia has strengthened its military cooperation in African countries where coups have occurred. That is why Burkina Faso has a strong alliance with Russia, which is against the West and French interests.
Russia has aimed to establish its military bases in six African countries, including the Central African Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Madagascar, Mozambique and Sudan. This move is seen as part of Russia’s strategy to counterbalance the influence of the US, UK and France, ensuring that Africa remains a multi-polar arena and not dominated by a single external power.
The terrorist question
Some argue that the spread of terrorism and extremist groups in Africa pose a direct threat to global security. Therefore, regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and parts of West Africa have become popular spots for organisations such as Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab.
These terrorist organisations are believed to be the primary reason why there is an increase in foreign military bases in Africa. Also, it is assumed it will be crucial for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations and the support of local military forces.
Critics argue that the presence of foreign military bases in Africa has not effectively combated terrorism, citing the prolonged conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the increase in militant groups across the continent as evidence.
Despite international military efforts, the DRC has endured over 30 years of insurgency and terrorism with no resolution in sight. Additionally, the number of active militant Islamist groups has risen from five in 2010 to over 25 in 2024, even as foreign military bases have been operational in Africa.
Critics also argue that maintaining military bases in Africa helps safeguard investments from instability and conflict. Furthermore, these bases protect critical infrastructure and trade routes, ensuring the steady flow of resources to global markets. Stability in Africa is not just a regional concern but a global economic imperative.
Africa must earn global respect
The strategic economic importance of Western and European nations is a sign that they always desire their military bases to be in Africa. These bases are to protect their interest and wage war against internal and external influence.
Critics have argued that US and European foreign military bases are not primarily intended to fight violent extremism or rebel groups, which is a secondary good excuse to have military bases in Africa, but are in the continent to advance more problems, promote their economic interests and maintain geopolitical influence.
As global dynamics continue to evolve, the importance of Africa in international affairs will only grow. This is essential for Africa to anticipate and invest in their military and protect their borders being 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, bringing Africa to its rightful position.
