Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian
Recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, criticizing African nations for their “ingratitude” towards France’s counterterrorism efforts, have reignited debates on France’s waning influence in Africa. Macron, speaking at an ambassadors’ conference in Paris, claimed that Sahelian countries had “forgotten to thank” France for its military interventions, even suggesting that without French forces, many African nations “would not be sovereign today.” This follows the decisions of Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Senegal to end French military presence, joining Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in distancing themselves from France.
In a Focus on Africa debate with security consultant David Otto, it was suggested that Macron’s comments should be considered in the context of counterinsurgency and specific military agreements. However, these remarks have sparked widespread criticism across Africa. Leaders in Chad and Senegal, as well as civil society groups, have accused Macron of perpetuating a colonial mindset that undermines African sovereignty and sacrifices.
Geopolitical Missteps? While Macron may have been referencing specific counterinsurgency efforts and military agreements, his comments demonstrate a lack of geopolitical tact. Given France’s declining influence across the continent, it would be expected for any French leader to adopt a more cautious approach when discussing its military presence in Africa. His remarks either signal a failure to foresee improved relations with these African countries, or they could be viewed as a blunder that worsens France’s already negative image in Africa.
While no African country can entirely attribute its underdevelopment to French imperialism, Macron’s comments make it difficult to sympathize with France, even for those who caution against replacing one form of imperialism with another.
A Contemptuous and Hypocritical Tone? Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, characterized Macron’s remarks as displaying “contempt for Africa and Africans.” He pointed out that France’s contributions have often served its own strategic interests, rather than fostering African development. Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, went further, accusing France of destabilizing Africa, particularly through its 2011 military intervention in Libya, which led to widespread instability in the Sahel.
Critics also highlight Macron’s hypocrisy. While lamenting the lack of African gratitude, Sonko and Koulamallah reminded France of the sacrifices made by African soldiers during the World Wars. Sonko notably stated that had African troops not been forcibly mobilized to defend France, “it would perhaps still be German today.” This is a reminder of the historical injustices that France has failed to acknowledge.
The continent’s contribution during World War II was further dismissed when African soldiers were denied post-war benefits promised by colonial governments. In Ghana, for example, ex-servicemen who sought compensation were shot during the 1948 disturbances. Africans, despite their contributions, were also excluded from the spoils of victory, notably the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Africa still lacks permanent representation despite constituting more than a quarter of the UN’s membership.
Macron’s Oversight Macron’s comments fail to address the harmful nature of France’s militarized counterinsurgency campaigns and overlook the tremendous sacrifice of African soldiers. Over a decade of French military operations in the Sahel, from Operation Serval (2012/13) to Operation Barkhane and G5 Sahel (2022), insurgency and terrorism in the region have worsened. Casualties have risen sharply, and large swaths of territory have been lost to militants. Macron failed to acknowledge that the death toll for African soldiers in these efforts dwarfs that of the French military.
For instance, Burkina Faso’s military has suffered 80% of the casualties in attacks from jihadist groups, according to the Global Terrorism Index. This tragic reality, despite France’s presence, calls into question Macron’s expectation of gratitude from African nations.
A Neo-Colonial Legacy While France did play a role in counterinsurgency efforts in the Sahel, its ongoing military presence and influence can be seen as indicative of neo-colonial tendencies. Many African nations harbor deep resentment for French military bases, preferential trade agreements, and control over the CFA franc currency—systems that perpetuate economic and political dependencies.
In recent years, frustration with French neo-colonialism has led to direct actions such as military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have resulted in the expulsion of French troops and a shift towards new alliances, particularly with Russia.
At the Centre for Alternative Politics & Security West Africa, we believe that imperialism is not limited to the West, and Eastern imperialism could also hinder African development. The key for Africa is to look forward, not east or west, as it navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Macron’s Struggle to Adapt Macron insists that France’s influence in Africa is not diminishing but merely “reorganizing.” However, his words ring hollow against the backdrop of growing anti-French sentiment and the rising influence of countries like Russia and China. Military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have forged military ties with Russia, while the Africa Corps (formerly the Wagner Group) continues to gain ground.
France still maintains a presence in Africa, but to remain relevant, it must abandon its neo-colonial practices and adopt genuine partnerships based on mutual respect. Macron’s recent comments indicate a reluctance to adapt, instead clinging to outdated ideas of French indispensability. His assertion that France chose to leave due to “coups d’état” further highlights his failure to understand the changing dynamics on the continent. His comments dismiss the sovereignty of African nations and reflect a paternalistic attitude that has long alienated African populations and leaders alike.
As Africa increasingly asserts its sovereignty and forges new alliances, France risks irrelevance. Macron’s remarks, rather than fostering goodwill, could expedite this decline. If France continues to condescend rather than engage as an equal partner, it will find itself marginalized in a continent that is redefining its place in the global order.
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