Côte d'Ivoire Embraces US Drones as Sahelian Neighbours Slam the Door: Pan-Africanism or Pragmatism?

Côte d'Ivoire Embraces US Drones as Sahelian Neighbours Slam the Door: Pan-Africanism or Pragmatism?

While Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are ejecting Western troops, seeking their own solutions to Sahel security woes, Côte d'Ivoire has thrown open its doors to an unlikely partner: the US military. Rumours of drone bases are swirling around Abidjan, raising eyebrows across the continent. Are Ouattara's open arms a sign of pragmatism or a betrayal of Pan-African ideals?

The Sahel, long plagued by jihadist insurgencies, has witnessed rising anti-French sentiment and a chorus for African-led solutions. Mali's military government unceremoniously ejected French troops, Burkina Faso followed suit, and Niger is in talks to do the same. Yet, in stark contrast, Ivory Coast welcomes US personnel and surveillance drones, raising questions about the motivations behind this divergence.

Ouattara's calculus is multi-layered. Jihadist tentacles have reached Ivorian soil, and the fear of spillover from the Sahel is real. Ouattara is an ally of the west offering a base to counter increasing Russian and Chinese influence. Additionally US drones offer sophisticated surveillance and strike capabilities, a tempting proposition for a president facing a tenuous security situation. On a practical level Ouattara contemplates the prospect of 2025 presidential elections having cordial relations with Washington and other western partners could potentially secure favourable coverage economic and political benefits from close cooperation.

However, the drone embrace risks stoking anti-Western sentiment within Côte d'Ivoire and across the wider region. Memories of colonial legacies still sting, and concerns about US drone strikes causing civilian casualties are rife. Moreover, critics argue that relying on external military solutions undermines long-term regional security by hindering the development of robust local forces.

The Ouattara-US alignment also complicates regional dynamics. While Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seek African solutions, Côte d'Ivoire's choice creates a potential rift within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This divergence could impede coordinated regional responses to security threats, further destabilising an already volatile landscape.

The path forward for Côte d'Ivoire, and indeed the entire region, is fraught with challenges. Balancing internal security needs with Pan-African aspirations will require delicate navigation. While Ouattara's decision may reflect a pragmatic response to immediate threats, it raises crucial questions about the future of Sahel security and the role of African agency in tackling regional problems. Whether the drone hum brings stability or sows further discord remains to be seen.