Towards a Real Break in Franco-African Relations?
The last decade marks a complex transition in the relations between France and the African continent, marked by Emmanuel Macron’s desire to end practices inherited from the colonial period. In reality, this attempt to break away had been initiated by his predecessors. However, Emmanuel Macron’s two terms are characterized by his moral action. Among these actions, we can mention the recognition of France’s responsibility in the Rwandan genocide, the restitution of military archives on the war in Cameroon, and the return of cultural property to Benin.
Despite official speeches promising a new phase in Franco-African relations, the guests highlight a persistence of ambiguities in the actions of the French President, with his gestures of rupture often hindered by a personal style perceived as paternalistic.
The Turning Point of Military Presence
French military strategy has undergone a major transformation, moving from a presence in eight countries in 2020 to almost complete withdrawal, precipitated by operational failures in the Sahel, particularly with Operation Barkhane, “the operation too many” according to Thierry Vircoulon.
This disengagement, often suffered rather than planned, forces Paris to redefine its cooperation around punctual partnerships and training and support.
Paris Turns to English-Speaking African Countries?
For several decades, France has been turning to English-speaking and Lusophone countries, especially countries like South Africa, Angola, and Nigeria. While the choice of these countries is notably related to the presence of hydrocarbons (in Nigeria or Angola), it is noteworthy that French-speaking countries now account for “overall quite derisory sums of French foreign trade” explains Thierry Vircoulon.
The “Africa Forward” summit on May 11 and 12 took place in Kenya, an English-speaking country with which France is intensifying its relations.
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