China is making inroads into the West African arms market and is also looking to make new allies and build influence in the region amid waning French influence there. Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali are all French-speaking and, as former colonies, historically fell under France’s sphere of influence. And although France is still the largest arms provider in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, all three countries are now seemingly in China’s sights. Beijing also plans to set up offices in Mali and Côte d’Ivoire – where it already sells arms. While Beijing has so far kept a lower profile in Western Africa, now, amid waning French influence, it is looking beyond business, seeking to make new allies and build influence there.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 29, 2023 11:03 UTC