Relations between France and Africa are an often discussed and debated subject. Recently, the announced departure of French troops from Niger sparked numerous reactions and relaunched the debate on the French military presence in the Sahel region. But beyond this news, it is important to understand that the challenge to France’s military and political action in Africa is not based on simple anti-French sentiment, but is based on solid arguments.
It is undeniable that France exercised heavy political and economic influence in many African countries, even after decolonization. From the Central African Republic to Chad, from Ivory Coast to Burkina Faso, French policy has played a crucial role in the political and economic developments of these countries for decades. The defense and technical military assistance agreements signed in the 1960s are a concrete example of this influence, with a component on cooperation in the field of raw materials and strategic products, with the aim of securing France’s supplies. on advantageous conditions.
It is important to recognize that French policy in Africa is not only about economic interest, but also about geopolitical issues. France’s military presence in the Sahel, as in Mali, cannot be understood without taking into account France’s objectives and strategic interests. For example, the French military intervention in Mali in 2013 was carried out at the request of the authorities in Bamako, but France has also set its own objectives and modalities for its intervention over the years. In addition, the war in Libya, driven by France, had a major impact on the destabilization of Mali and the region.
It is therefore time to come back to reason and take into account all the elements in the debate on relations between France and Africa. It is not a question of ignoring the facts or giving in to emotions, but of analyzing French policy in Africa in an objective and balanced manner. It is important to recognize the geopolitical and economic interests at stake, while taking into consideration the aspirations and well-being of African populations.
To go further in understanding this complex subject, numerous works and articles document the history of Franco-African relations. For example, the article “Return to the construction of Franco-African military relations” by Camille Evrard or the article “Niger: a State with a high uranium content” by Emmanuel Grégoire provide interesting insights.
It is essential to go beyond simplifications and clichés to approach this subject in depth and nuance. Only in this way can we better understand the issues and implications of relations between France and Africa, and contribute to mutually beneficial cooperation.