USR PUBLISHER

This research investigates the divide between Francophone and Anglophone nations in West African foreign policy by conducting a comparative analysis of Nigeria and Senegal. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing secondary sources including textbooks, journal articles, ECOWAS reports, and policy documents. The study is grounded in Dependency Theory, which elucidates how historical colonial relationships and persistent external economic and political influences shape the foreign policy decisions of developing nations. The findings indicate that Nigeria’s foreign policy is predominantly Afrocentric, interventionist, and driven by leadership, whereas Senegal’s approach is more diplomatic, consensus-driven, and influenced by Francophone institutional networks and its historical connections with France. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that the Francophone-Anglophone divide continues to impact regional integration in West Africa through language barriers, variations in legal and administrative frameworks, and challenges in policy coordination, although the increasing cooperation within ECOWAS is gradually alleviating these issues. The study concludes that both nations are significant players in regional diplomacy despite their contrasting strategies. It recommends enhancing ECOWAS institutional and linguistic harmonization to facilitate better communication and policy coordination. Additionally, it advocates for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and Senegal in areas such as security, trade, and economic integration while minimizing external dependency.