Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, cautioned African leaders on Friday against signing new agreements with France that he described as “devilish” and “anti‑people.” In a statement addressed to Nigerian and continental youths, Frank warned that any pact with Paris would serve the interests of political elites rather than ordinary citizens.
Frank’s remarks came after the Africa‑France “Africa Forward: Africa‑France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where French President Emmanuel Macron and a number of African heads of state, including Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed a series of cooperation agreements. The former APC official said the deals were an attempt by France to re‑assert influence on the continent after recent setbacks in several francophone nations.
Describing the agreements as a “Greek gift,” Frank argued that they would not deliver tangible development, security or prosperity for African peoples. “Any agreement signed with France will only benefit the leaders themselves and not the people. Africans must reject such deals because they are like death warrants for the continent,” he said. He urged citizens to hold leaders accountable, insisting that partnerships should be built on genuine growth rather than personal ambition or corruption‑driven alliances.
The statements reflect a broader skepticism among some African political figures and civil‑society groups toward renewed French engagement in the region. Critics contend that past French involvement has often left African economies dependent and that new accords could repeat similar patterns. Supporters of the Nairobi summit, however, argue that the agreements aim to boost technology transfer, investment and joint research, positioning France as a partner in Africa’s economic diversification.
While Frank’s warnings resonate with segments of the youth demographic that are increasingly vocal about foreign influence, there is limited evidence that the Nairobi accords contain clauses that would undermine national sovereignty or fiscal autonomy. Details of the signed documents have not been fully disclosed, and governments involved maintain that the partnerships are mutually beneficial.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance African nations must strike between attracting foreign investment and safeguarding domestic priorities. As the continent navigates post‑pandemic recovery and seeks diversified trade links, the scrutiny of external partnerships is likely to intensify.
Frank concluded by calling on Africans to reject leaders who “mortgage the future of their countries for selfish gains” and to demand collaborations that genuinely advance development, security and prosperity for the people. Observers will watch how Nigerian and other African governments respond to the criticism and whether any of the Nairobi agreements face renegotiation or public opposition in the coming months.
