HIBAPRESS-RABAT
France recently experienced a bloody setback on the African continent where its forces were declared “persona non grata” by several countries who saw in France an undesirable “occupier” who harms their interests and which it is today time to separate from it or lead to leave the country by any means
In this similar and common movement of action, several African countries have therefore 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. Ivory Coast announced the withdrawal French troops, ending a decades-long military presence. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara confirmed that the withdrawal would begin this 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.
Taking things seriously and knowing that France no longer has its place in Africa and to remedy things, French President Emmanuel Macron wanted to correct what could be corrected while there is still time to react
This is how, 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.
For the occasion, the French President denounced what he describes as an “instrumentalized postcolonial” discourse: “The dialogue with Africa cannot be hostage to a contemporary pan-Africanism of good quality which in some way uses a discourse postcolonial while also having supporters from behind who are the imperialists of today.” This criticism targets currents which, according to him, contribute to polarizing relations between France and Africa.
Still, addressing perceptions of a decline in France in Africa, he declared: “No, France is not in decline 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.
Nevertheless, Macron 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 is not transmissible 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.
