Usman Sarki argues that despite growing anti-French sentiment in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, France remains a critical strategic actor in West Africa, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria. As a nuclear-armed UN Security Council member with advanced military, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities, France continues to shape regional security dynamics, even as it withdraws troops from the Sahel.

The rise of local anti-French nationalism and the entry of non-Western actors, such as Russia, have created security vacuums that embolden terrorist groups, directly affecting Nigeria’s northern borders and the Lake Chad Basin. Sarki emphasizes that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore these developments; French withdrawal destabilizes neighboring countries and weakens regional monitoring, intelligence-sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Key lessons for Nigeria include:

1. Political dexterity over military force: Address the root causes of extremism—marginalization, weak governance, and corruption.
2. Manage public sentiment: Ensure communities feel respected and included in security initiatives.
3. Align foreign partnerships with local legitimacy: Avoid dependence on outside actors disconnected from local populations.
4. Prevent geopolitical vacuums: Actively engage in regional security and human development to preclude external actors filling gaps.

Sarki concludes that France remains indispensable for Nigeria in security, diplomacy, economics, and regional governance. Strategic engagement—not sentiment or indifference—is essential for Nigeria to safeguard national security, regional leadership, and continental influence.