From Ahmadinejad to Rouhani: Iran’s Presence in Africa

Abstract

This article explains the drivers behind Iran’s overtures to Africa, and the dynamics of its presence in the continent. Focusing on Senegal as a case study, this article contends that the compound international sanctions on Iran and the rise of Shiite power in the Middle East have decimated Tehran’s interests in building strong political and economic relations with African countries, irrespective of their religious and political identities, and in embarking on missionary work through public diplomacy strategies.