Conference of Ambassadors: Macron defends his strategy for Africa in the face of criticism

– The French President responds to criticism of his country’s presence in Africa, between denunciation of pan-Africanist speeches and proposal for a renewed partnership.

During the Conference of Ambassadors at the Élysée on January 6, 2025, Emmanuel Macron devoted a large part of his speech to Africa. He addressed historical relations, current challenges and France’s strategic directions, while responding to growing criticism, particularly from pan-Africanist movements.

The French President denounced what he describes as an “instrumentalized postcolonial” discourse: “The dialogue with Africa cannot be hostage to a contemporary pan-Africanism which in some way uses a postcolonial discourse by having ‘elsewhere the backers who are the imperialists of today’. This criticism targets currents which, according to him, contribute to polarizing relations between France and Africa.

Addressing perceptions of a decline in France in Africa, he declared: “No, France is not in retreat in Africa, it is simply lucid, it is reorganizing itself. […] We chose to move because we had to move. » This reorganization follows the end of major military operations such as Barkhane, while announcing a renewed security partnership.

Macron also recalled the role of French forces in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel: “We were right. I think we forgot to say thank you. It doesn’t matter, it will come with time. Ingratitude, I am well placed to know, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to humans.” A statement which, although emotional, could be perceived as paternalistic in a context where criticism of France is increasing on the continent.

In conclusion, the President defended a new paradigm for Franco-African relations: “That’s partnership. And so, yes, we are in the process of opening a new security and defense partnership, where we will have strategic bases.” This “software of conquest”, in his words, marks a desire to adapt French policy to a continent in the midst of geopolitical upheaval.

As a reminder, several African countries have recently requested an end to the French military presence on their territory. Mali demanded the departure of French forces in 2022, followed by Burkina Faso in 2023. Niger also revoked the licenses of French NGOs and expelled the French ambassador in 2023.

More recently, Ivory Coast announced the withdrawal of French troops, ending a decades-long military presence. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara confirmed that the withdrawal would begin in January 2025.

Likewise, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the end of all foreign military presence in Senegal from 2025, in a move towards reinforced sovereignty.

These decisions are part of a broader dynamic of gradual withdrawal of French forces from several African countries in recent years, reflecting a stated desire for self-determination and reassessment of relations with the former colonial power.

Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/fr

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