Role of Nigeria in the Malian Protracted Political Conflict

Abstract

The paper explores the intricate role of Nigeria in the Malian protracted political conflict in situating Nigeria's underlying motivations and its multiplier effect. Characterized by weak governance, a coup d'état in 2012, economic challenges, ethnic tensions, and extremist insurgencies, amongst others, the protracted political crisis in Mali is not an isolated event. It is embedded in a complex realm of international relations. Nigeria, seen as a regional powerhouse, had reasons to intervene in the protracted crisis, and this is rooted in its strategic interests encompassing political, security, and economic considerations. The paper adopted a qualitative research method based on content analysis of relevant secondary data and used theories of neorealism and constructivism as frameworks to illustrate the role of Nigeria in the Malian protracted political conflict. The paper found that Nigeria's engagement in the Malian protracted political conflict was not out of generosity, though seen as a ‘big brother’ but predicated on pursuit of national interest, regional hegemony, and influence in West Africa and beyond. The paper therefore recommended amongst others that in view of the growing anti-France sentiments in Francophone West African countries, Nigeria should be cautious in its foreign engagement and should adopt a non-align regional policy.