Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron's recent five-day tour of several African nations underscores France's ongoing struggle to redefine its role on the continent. Macron's visits to Mauritius, South Africa, Gabon, and Angola were part of an effort to demonstrate a shift in France's relationship with Africa, a promise he has reiterated over the years. However, the reality on the ground paints a complex picture of declining influence and growing discontent.
According to Anadolu Agency, France's geopolitical foothold in Africa has been shaken, particularly in the Sahel region. French troops have been expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, highlighting the erosion of France's once-dominant position. These expulsions come amid political upheaval in Madagascar, signaling a broader decline in France's influence in its former colonial territories.
Ovigwe Eguegu, a political analyst at consultancy Development Reimagined, argues that Macron's Africa policy is reactive rather than proactive, responding to geopolitical shifts rather than leading them. Despite Macron's 2017 declaration of the end of "Francafrique" and a commitment to new partnerships, colonial-era structures and dependencies have persisted, only to unravel in recent years.
France's military operations, such as Operation Barkhane in Mali, have faced criticism for failing to deliver promised security and infringing on national sovereignty. The subsequent severing of ties by Burkina Faso and Niger further reflects this discontent, as these nations have sought to end what they perceive as a dependency on France.
Francois Gaulme, an associate research fellow at the French Institute of International Relations, notes that Macron has not fully acknowledged the shortcomings of his vision for Africa. Despite emphasizing "reinvented partnerships" during his tour, Macron's approach is viewed as insufficient, with many in France doubting his control over the situation.
Macron's itinerary, focusing on Anglophone and non-Francophone nations, has drawn criticism at home for seemingly sidelining traditional Francophone allies. Nevertheless, the French president sought to reassure these countries of France's commitment by visiting Gabon, a move intended to demonstrate continued interest in Francophone partners.
Paul Melly of Chatham House highlights that Macron's trip was strategically timed between major international summits, allowing him a low-profile opportunity to begin rebuilding France's credibility in Africa. Despite the setbacks, France still holds significant influence through its corporate presence, diplomatic ties, and development partnerships.
As the global geopolitical landscape evolves, France faces competition from emerging powers like China, Russia, and India. African nations are no longer confined to choosing a single partner, opting instead for diverse connections. This shift presents a challenge to France's historical position as a central partner in Africa, necessitating a recalibration of its approach to remain relevant in the region.