End of an era: African nations break free from France’s neocolonial chains Opinion by Daily Scrum News

The tides are turning in Africa as French influence crumbles under the weight of bold leadership. In her compelling piece titled "The Fall of French Influence in Africa: Bold Leaders, New Alliances, and Reclaimed Resources", Ingrid Jones of The Daily Scrum News unpacks this dramatic power shift. Caliber.Az now presents a paraphrased version of her thought-provoking analysis, delving into the continent’s fight for sovereignty and a new era of global partnerships.

The unravelling of France’s dominance over its former African colonies has reached a historic turning point, marking the decline of neocolonial power structures and the resurgence of African sovereignty. Countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire have expelled French military forces, signalling a decisive rejection of exploitation and a move toward self-determination. These nations are forging alliances with global powers such as Russia and China, breaking away from France’s grip on their resources and economies.

While France formally ended colonial rule decades ago, it continued to wield influence through exploitative economic and military arrangements. African nations were subjected to practices such as resource extraction at unfair prices, military interference, and the forced retention of monetary reserves in French banks. These mechanisms enriched France at the expense of African development, perpetuating inequalities under the guise of partnership.

One glaring example of exploitation was France’s uranium trade with Niger. France purchased uranium, essential for its energy sector, at minimal costs while selling it for significant profits on the global market. Simultaneously, it paid countries like Canada much higher prices for the same resource, underscoring its disregard for African sovereignty. In a landmark move, Niger has reclaimed control of its uranium industry, cutting France off from this critical resource and challenging its energy-dependent economy.

The economic repercussions for France are severe. The loss of access to African resources has destabilized key industries and exposed the fragility of its economy. Preferential trade agreements have collapsed, and overflight restrictions are further complicating France’s global operations. The aviation sector, among others, is feeling the strain, underscoring the extent of France’s dependence on its former colonies.

This transformation is driven by African leaders determined to prioritize their nations' interests and forge equitable partnerships. Turning to allies like Russia and China, these nations are building frameworks for economic and security collaboration that respect their sovereignty. This shift goes beyond economics — it is a reckoning with colonial injustices and a commitment to dismantling systems that have stifled African prosperity.

The African push for autonomy is not just about resource control but about rewriting the rules of global engagement. By rejecting neocolonialism, these countries are setting a powerful precedent for others, signalling that exploitation and manipulation have no place in modern international relations.

France’s diminishing influence in Africa serves as a cautionary tale for other former colonial powers. The unsustainability of resource-driven exploitation is becoming evident, and Africa’s emancipation is a global lesson in the power of resilience and justice. This movement also underscores the broader shift toward a multipolar world where emerging nations assert their place on equal terms.

For France, this is a bitter reckoning; for Africa, it is a triumph of liberation. This shift corrects historical injustices and ushers in a new era of self-reliance and global realignment. The days of one-sided relationships are over. Africa is stepping into its future with dignity, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose, reminding the world that justice, though long delayed, can never be denied.