French failure in Africa vs. Azerbaijan's success Two strategies, two Outcomes

Today, numerous states and international organizations emphasize the importance of building relationships with African countries, whose population, according to forecasts, is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. Some highlight this through the lens of the Global South, while others focus on strengthening bilateral ties. 

For instance, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France still features information on its website about the announcement made by President Emmanuel Macron in 2017 (during his first presidential term) regarding a program that marked the beginning of "a new era in the history of France-Africa relations." As Macron loudly proclaimed, "Together, we must build not just a dialogue between France and Africa, but an intercontinental project, new relations." In the context of the further development of Franco-African relations, it became clear that "in order to create a new common perception, we must learn to see and understand the world as it is seen by Africans."

So, the question arises: did it succeed? This question becomes particularly significant in light of Macron's statement last month that "France was right in starting military interventions in Africa against terrorism in 2013, but African leaders forgot to thank us." As he specified, "None of them would be governing a sovereign country today if the French army hadn't been deployed there."

How much this passage from Macron contrasts with what he said eight years earlier is quite remarkable, though entirely understandable. As always, in relation to the French president, he never follows through on his promises. As a result, Africa has not only become disillusioned with official Paris, but it has taken actions that shocked Macron, which dealt a significant blow to the reputation of the Élysée Palace. 

Between 2022 and 2023, Niger, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Burkina Faso demanded that Paris withdraw its troops from their territories. Naturally, such a strong protest from former French colonies couldn't help but provoke a reaction from Macron, who seemed to "scold" the leaders of these African countries, after which he declared that "France is not leaving Africa; it is simply taking a sober look at the situation and reorganizing."

So, that's how it is: not leaving, but... we don't really know what we're doing. But that's alright. The most important thing is that Macron's anti-African statements have sparked sharp condemnation from Chad and Senegal. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chad stated that the country, along with other African nations, "played a decisive role in France's liberation during World War II, but Paris has never acknowledged this fact." Chad's foreign ministry emphasized that "France must respect the African people and recognize the significance of the sacrifices they made," and that "instead of attacking Africa, President Macron should focus his attention on solving the problems that concern the French people."

Clearly, Macron's African failure has become a historical reality. This, of course, is not likely to bring any comfort to the French. After all, this region accounts for 25% of the world’s mining industry. One doesn't need to delve into encyclopedias to obtain more detailed information about Africa’s wealth. Even school textbooks highlight that the continent's subsoil contains vast deposits of diamonds, gold, uranium, and rare metals. The Saharan plate and the Gulf of Guinea coast are famous for their oil reserves. In the north of the continent, iron ores are found, while the Congo and Orange River basins are rich in manganese ores. We should not forget the significant number of oil and gas fields in the region. As noted, "for several resources, Africa's share exceeds 30% of the world’s total: up to 35% for chromium, over 40% for bauxite, 50% for cobalt and manganese, and 90% for platinum group metals." Another important factor is Africa’s geographical location. All this leaves Paris with little more than to gnash its teeth in frustration.

Against this backdrop, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Africa is developing in an entirely different manner. To begin with, it is worth recalling that during the Soviet era, when Heydar Aliyev was the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, over 5,000 African students were studying at various universities in the republic. Heydar Aliyev himself recalled that Angola's President José Eduardo dos Santos "studied here for five years, became an engineer, and then served as president of his country for many years. He always fondly remembers his time studying in Baku and his professors." And how many Azerbaijani specialists were active in various fields in African countries during that period!

As for the modern period, a more detailed look at African-Azerbaijani relations can be gained by highlighting certain nuances. Since 2011, Azerbaijan has been an observer in the African Union (AU). The following year, young African experts visited Azerbaijan through this structure to familiarize themselves with the youth policies being implemented in the country. In this context, it is important to recall that exactly 10 years before this event, National Leader Heydar Aliyev congratulated then-President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki "on the establishment of the African Union and your election as its first chairman." Heydar Aliyev also expressed hope that the creation of the AU "would serve to ensure peace, security, and economic progress on the African continent, rich in human potential and natural resources, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between states." In other words, back in 2002, the National Leader saw the potential of the African Union. And how warmly he spoke about Africa!

In terms of our timeline (this approach to presenting the material seemed both interesting and specific within the context of the topic at hand), in 2013, Azerbaijan signed a Framework Agreement with UNESCO, through which Baku began to participate in funding a UNESCO project for girls' education in Africa. By early 2017, Baku had allocated over $1.5 million for the development of the project in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Liberia. In the same year, a delegation from the Pan-African Parliament, established to address, among other things, the task of economic recovery and fostering cooperation and development in Africa, visited Baku. In 2017, a notable event in the African-Azerbaijani relations was recorded by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality. They stated that "Azerbaijan, unlike African countries, has quickly embarked on the path of development, and we have much to learn from you." At the same time, the potential for developing Azerbaijani-Ethiopian relations was highlighted, along with Baku's interest in Djibouti, whose ports provide access to countries in East Africa.

In March 2020, Baku provided financial assistance of $100,000 to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) "in light of the tense socio-economic situation in the Sahel region of Africa."

In 2021, during Azerbaijan's presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the first-ever youth network of member states was established within the organization. The nuance here is that one of the driving forces behind this decision was the fact that African countries have the largest youth population in the world. In general, many events were held under the auspices of NAM in support of Africa. For example, in May 2022, a conference dedicated to "Africa Day" titled "The Legacy of the African Continent in the Evolution of NAM" took place in Baku. At the 2023 Baku Summit of the NAM Contact Group on COVID-19, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, unveiling an initiative to support the post-pandemic recovery of Africa and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), not only announced Azerbaijan's allocation of $1 million (as the first donor) for the implementation of both "global calls" but also urged NAM member states and other participants in the international community to support Baku’s projects. At the same time, drawing attention to the global threat to multilateralism, the president called on France to "apologize and acknowledge responsibility for the bloody colonial crimes and acts of genocide against NAM member states," including African nations.

In the summer of 2023, the public was informed of a presidential decree establishing the "Heydar Aliyev International Educational Grant Program," which aimed to admit 100 students from OIC, NAM, and SIDS member states to Azerbaijani universities for five-year study programs annually.

By the end of 2023, approximately 140 countries had received assistance from Azerbaijan, 53 of which were African states. In the same year, following the event "Towards the Complete Elimination of Colonialism," organized in Baku by the Center for Analysis of International Relations within the Coordination Bureau of NAM, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) against French colonialism was established. During the forum, participants discussed steps to eliminate France's modern colonial policy in Africa.

As we approach the present day, it's important to recall that in the spring of 2024, during the official visit to Azerbaijan by the President of Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, a "Memorandum of Understanding on Training between SOCAR and the National Oil Company of Congo" and an "Agreement on the Terms for the Improvement and Expansion of the Congolaise de Raffinage Oil Refinery" were signed. President Ilham Aliyev confirmed Azerbaijan's plans for investment projects in Congo, particularly in agriculture.

In October 2024, Azerbaijan officially voiced its strong support for the "Priority Africa" initiative and its commitment to preserving Africa's cultural and natural heritage, particularly through assistance to the African World Heritage Fund, to which an additional $100,000 was contributed in the preceding month.

At the same time, under the initiative of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an international conference titled "French Neocolonialism in Africa" was held in Baku. As stated by Kabiné Doumbia, President of the non-governmental organization ASRAD, "Azerbaijan's determination to bring this discussion to the international stage is crucial for our collective understanding of contemporary issues," particularly in terms of gaining a better awareness of the emerging opportunities "to pave the way for achieving true sovereignty in our countries." In support of this, one of the leaders in the fight for independence, sovereignty, and against neocolonialism in African countries, Kemi Seba, thanked BIG for its efforts "to defend justice and the right of nations to independence."

In November 2024, as part of COP29, Azerbaijan initiated the creation of the Global South NGO Platform. During this time, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) organized an event titled "Solidarity for Decolonization and a Green Future," which was attended by representatives from African countries. The participants discussed ways to achieve a "green future" for Africa without external interference, as well as the negative consequences of colonialism, issues related to ecological restoration, and the preservation of natural resources. It is important to note that in his speech at the opening ceremony of the COP29 Leaders' Summit, the President of Azerbaijan emphasized Baku's intentions "to contribute to finding a consensus between developed and developing countries and to improve relations between the Global South and the Global North."

In December 2024, discussions began regarding the creation of scholarship programs in Azerbaijani universities for students from Guinea-Bissau, which, as is known, is part of the group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This follows a key point made by President Ilham Aliyev during his speech at the SIDS Summit within the framework of COP29, where he stated that "Azerbaijan demonstrates strong support for small island states." Interestingly, four representatives from Guinea-Bissau, including the Minister of Environment, who arrived in Azerbaijan, were graduates of Azerbaijani universities.

In December 2024, as part of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's project "Development of Education and Culture in African Countries," the Rwamagana City School in Rwanda was provided with drinking water. Additionally, a school near the capital Kigali (with about 1,000 students) was equipped with computers and internet access. Overall, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation implemented several projects across the African continent in healthcare, social development, and education, including financial assistance for the development of the School of African Heritage. Another notable initiative involved providing medical equipment to Djibouti to help improve its healthcare system.

A final point to note in the growing relationship between Africa and Azerbaijan is the strengthening of the ties. Not long ago, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, visited Baku. Among the signed documents, the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Defense and Defense Industry" stands out. Investment opportunities in Somalia were also discussed, with the Somali president calling Azerbaijan's "predictable policies and development strategies" a significant area for his country to learn from.

On February 28, the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, met with the President of Azerbaijan. After outlining the "busy" agenda, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the prospects for cooperation, including in the defense industry and defense sectors. The President of Guinea-Bissau noted that on February 28, the first team for training in the army and police would arrive in Baku, calling this "very important for us."

Thus, Azerbaijan continues its multilateral foreign policy. In this context, the African continent undeniably becomes one of the regions with which Azerbaijan builds very warm, mutually beneficial relationships. The official position of Baku significantly differs from the approach of many Western countries towards Africa, which have always tried—and continue to try—to dictate and push solutions for the Global South that serve only their own interests. This is precisely why France’s policy in Africa has failed. Against this backdrop, Africans undoubtedly appreciate the steps Azerbaijan has taken during its presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), aimed at benefiting African states. Moreover, they observe today’s actions of Baku with respect to the African continent. These actions are sincere and transparent, based on the protection of both Azerbaijan's interests and those of the African states. This policy clearly shows a tendency for further development.