Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-02-23 09:40:38
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi marked his second year in office in June with a shift in focus towards South America, Africa, and now West Africa. Raisi’s diplomatic endeavors have taken him to various countries in an effort to strengthen alliances and explore economic opportunities in regions outside of the Middle East.
Earlier in the year, Raisi visited Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, all countries under US sanctions. Following that, he turned his attention to Africa, visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Now, Raisi has set his sights on West Africa, with meetings in Senegal and Burkina Faso to discuss topics such as sanctions resistance, technology transfer, and economic cooperation.
These diplomatic engagements are part of Raisi’s strategy to showcase Iran’s alliances in the Global South and strengthen its position in the face of pressure from the United States. Additionally, Raisi aims to revive Africa-centric diplomacy that had waned during the Iran nuclear deal negotiations with the Obama administration.
Economically, Senegal presents promising opportunities for Iran, with past collaborations in the form of tractor and automobile plants. The export of gold from West African nations like Togo, Senegal, and Burkina Faso could also benefit Iran as a hedge against inflation and price volatility.
Geopolitically, countries like Togo could potentially support Iran’s nuclear program by providing a source of uranium. These nations have historically provided Iran with diplomatic cover on various international issues.
Culturally, Iran has managed to convert Muslims in countries like Nigeria and Senegal to Shiism through outreach efforts. Shared historical experiences of colonialism and resource exploitation have further deepened cultural ties between Iran and West Africa.
Despite these promising avenues, Iran faces challenges in expanding its relationships with West Africa. The economic relationship between Iran and West African nations remains limited, with stronger trade partnerships existing between these nations and countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Moreover, geopolitical and demographic challenges, as well as sociopolitical instability in some West African countries, pose obstacles to deeper engagement. Past diplomatic rifts, such as the one with Senegal over allegations of arming rebels, highlight the complexities of Iran’s relations in the region.
As Iran seeks to navigate these challenges and capitalize on opportunities for economic, geopolitical, and cultural engagement in West Africa, it must carefully balance competing interests and overcome existing barriers. By recalibrating its foreign policy towards a stance of neutrality, Iran may find greater success in building sustainable relationships with countries in West Africa and beyond.
Read the original article on The Standard
