France faces increasing challenges in Africa as military influence declines Article by AP

The Associated Press has published a compelling analysis of France’s waning influence in Africa, highlighting a seismic shift in its former colonies. The article argues that Chad and Senegal are delivering the decisive blows to what remains of France's once-dominant colonial empire. Caliber.Az presents this intriguing story for our readers, delving into the factors shaping this historic moment and what it means for France’s global standing.

The article details the significant shift in France’s influence in Africa, specifically the growing trend of African nations expelling French military forces and redefining their relationships with the former colonial power. This shift marks a key turning point in France's longstanding military presence in Africa and is part of a broader transformation in the geopolitical landscape of the continent.

The article highlights a series of recent events signalling a loss of French military influence in Africa. The decision by Chad—long considered one of France’s most stable and loyal allies—to end its defence cooperation with Paris was a major blow.

This move was followed by a statement from Senegal’s new president, who indicated that French troops would soon leave Senegal. These decisions represent part of a broader shift in the Sahel and West Africa, where several countries have recently expelled French forces, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, largely due to dissatisfaction with France’s role in local conflicts.

The motivations behind these expulsions are rooted in a complex web of factors, including growing anti-French sentiment, frustrations with France’s involvement in regional security challenges, and a desire for greater sovereignty.

The increasing influence of Russia, particularly through the Wagner Group, and China has led many African nations to reassess their alliances and seek alternatives to French military support. The article argues that these shifts represent a significant departure from the "Françafrique" era, where France exerted economic, political, and military sway over its former colonies.

In response to these developments, France is rethinking its military posture in Africa. President Macron has emphasized the need for a "renewal" of France's partnership with African nations, which includes reducing France's permanent military presence while maintaining flexible and responsive support.

The French government has indicated that while the number of permanent military bases will decrease, military cooperation in areas such as training, intelligence, and logistics will continue. Additionally, France is increasing its economic engagement in anglophone African countries like Nigeria and South Africa, seeking to strengthen ties outside of its traditional Francophone sphere.

A significant factor in the shift away from France is the increasing role of Russia, which has been expanding its military and political influence in Africa. Russia's growing presence, particularly through the Wagner Group, has given many African countries an alternative to the French military.

The article notes that while the departure of French troops has created a security vacuum in several countries, Russia's mercenaries have not proven to be an effective substitute in terms of stabilizing the region. The situation is further complicated by worsening security conditions and rising extremism in places like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The article touches upon the wider implications of these developments for both Africa and France. On the one hand, African countries are increasingly seeking to redefine their security policies and engage with new global powers. On the other hand, France's efforts to maintain a foothold in Africa are becoming more challenging, particularly as its traditional military presence is being replaced by countries with less direct investment in regional stability. For France, these developments also pose economic challenges, as it competes with new powers in Africa’s resource-rich markets.

The piece provides a comprehensive overview of the erosion of France’s military influence in Africa, shedding light on the geopolitical shifts taking place. African countries are increasingly moving away from France, seeking alternatives in Russia, China, and other global powers, while France is reorienting its strategy to maintain influence through economic and military cooperation.

This represents a significant change in the post-colonial relationships between Africa and its former colonizers, signalling the end of an era of French dominance and the rise of new, diverse international partnerships on the continent.