Paris Again? Tinubu’s 5th French Escape and Africa’s Presidential Pilgrimage Problem.
By Wasse Marlvine
Lagos, Nigeria. April 5, 2025
– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on his fifth trip to France since assuming office less than a year ago. The frequency of these Parisian excursions might leave many wondering: Is he running a country or collecting Eurostar stamps?
Tinubu’s latest trip to the Champs-Élysées capital isn’t an isolated case. It’s part of an age-old tradition among African leaders: using taxpayer money to vacation in European capitals under the guise of “medical checkups,” “economic partnerships,” or the classic “strategic consultations.”
But let’s not be fooled. These visits, wrapped in vague press releases, often have more to do with photo ops, designer suits, and backroom deals than the actual business of governance. The truth is, European governments have long played host to Africa’s big men—not just for croissants and conferences—but because they benefit immensely from the continued political and economic dysfunction on the continent.
Why does Europe roll out the red carpet?
It’s simple: a weak Africa is a profitable Africa. France, the UK, and others have strategic interests—natural resources, arms deals, migration control, and influence over regional politics. Supporting pliable African presidents—no matter how undemocratic or unproductive they may be—ensures that these interests are never threatened.
You won’t find Paris slamming Tinubu for the rising cost of living in Nigeria or the dragging feet on subsidy reform. Just like they never questioned Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni after decades in power, or Paul Biya of Cameroon who’s practically running a government by remote from a Swiss hotel.
A continent governed in absenteeism
African leaders should be in their states, listening to farmers in Kaduna, builders in Nairobi, teachers in Bamako—not in five-star hotels in France discussing investments that rarely trickle down. The optics are terrible. The results? Even worse.
Imagine if these leaders visited African countries five times a year instead. Picture Tinubu in Kigali learning how Rwanda manages waste, or in Windhoek studying Namibia’s electricity reforms. But no, it’s always bonjour, not bonanza.
The cost of Paris flights, the price of progress
This constant outflow to Europe is a sign of misplaced priorities—and Europe, in return, continues to prop up these leaders because it guarantees predictability. European media won’t question it, European embassies won’t raise eyebrows. Why would they, when African presidents are their best customers in real estate and luxury shopping?
It’s time to break the cycle
Africans must ask harder questions. Why must our presidents always look west for answers, yet campaign with pan-Africanist slogans? Why is France the unofficial capital of African governance?
If Tinubu’s administration wants to be remembered for anything other than frequent flyer miles, then the focus must shift inward. Nigeria has enough problems begging for presidential attention. And so does Africa.
Until then, we might as well start a loyalty program: “Presidents Who Brunch in Paris.”