France’s military is being ousted from more African countries. Here’s why
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France is facing a significant challenge in maintaining its influence across Africa, with recent decisions by former allies signaling the end of its post-colonial military dominance on the continent. In a dramatic turn of events, two key African nations, Chad and Senegal, have taken steps to end their military cooperation with France, marking a major shift in the region’s relationship with the former colonial power.
The first blow came on Chad’s Independence Day, when the government announced it would end its defense cooperation with France in an effort to redefine its sovereignty. Chad, long considered France’s most stable and loyal ally in Africa, has historically been a strategic partner in the fight against extremist insurgencies in the Sahel region. Hours after Chad’s announcement, Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, made a statement to Le Monde that French soldiers would no longer be stationed on Senegalese soil, emphasizing the country’s desire to move away from its colonial past. Faye’s comments reflected a broader sentiment growing in West Africa that it was time for a change, despite France’s historical presence in the region since the colonial era.
These developments came as France was already working on a new military strategy for Africa, one aimed at reducing its troop presence in the region. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot had recently visited Chad and Ethiopia, and President Emmanuel Macron had acknowledged the 1944 massacre of West African soldiers by the French Army, a significant step in confronting France’s colonial history. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the reaction to Chad’s decision was one of silence from Paris for almost a full day, before French officials indicated that they were engaged in “close dialogue” regarding the future of the partnership.
Mucahid Durmaz, a senior analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, described Chad’s decision as the final blow to France’s military dominance in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara. The withdrawal of French forces from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military-led governments have expelled French troops in recent years, is part of a broader shift in the region’s political and military landscape. Local sentiment has soured following years of French military involvement in combating Islamic extremism, which has failed to curb the rising violence and instability in the region.
In response to these challenges, France is revising its military strategy in Africa. Jean-Marie Bockel, Macron’s personal envoy for Africa, presented a report outlining the future of French military presence on the continent. This strategy aims to reduce France’s permanent military bases in all but one country: Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. The report suggests that France would continue to offer military cooperation, including training and providing specific support in areas such as airspace surveillance and drone operations. Although the number of troops to be reduced remains undisclosed, the shift signals a significant change in France’s approach to military engagement in Africa.
One of the main reasons for this shift is the increasing influence of other global powers, particularly Russia, in Africa. As French forces are being ousted, countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia, with private military companies such as Wagner providing support in the Sahel. This has led to concerns over the worsening security situation in these countries, with extremist attacks on the rise and an overall increase in civilian deaths. Despite these challenges, some analysts argue that the withdrawal of French forces has created a security vacuum that cannot be easily filled by Russian forces or other actors.
France has maintained a significant military presence in West and Central Africa since the colonial era, with bases in countries such as Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Gabon. These bases, and the 1,000 troops stationed in Chad, have played a role in counterterrorism efforts and training local military forces. However, critics argue that these long-standing military engagements have allowed France to retain political influence over African governments, often supporting regimes that are favorable to French interests. In recent years, the push for change has been growing, with many African nations seeking to redefine their relationships with France and explore partnerships with countries like Russia, China, and Turkey.
The departure of French forces from these countries marks a turning point in the region’s political dynamics. Leaders like Chad’s President Mahamat Deby, who announced the end of defense cooperation, are now looking for alternatives, including partnerships with the United Arab Emirates and Russia. These shifts reflect a broader desire for African countries to regain control over their political and military sovereignty, free from the influence of former colonial powers.
In conclusion, France’s military withdrawal from key African countries represents a broader transformation in the region’s relationship with its former colonizer. As anti-French sentiment grows, and the influence of global powers like Russia expands, Africa is increasingly seeking to chart its own path. France’s challenge will be to adapt to this new reality, balancing its desire to maintain influence with the changing political landscape of the continent. The future of French military presence in Africa will depend on how well it can adjust to these evolving dynamics and respond to the needs of African nations, who are looking for partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
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