On March 2, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at an environmental summit in Libreville, Gabon, declared the era of “Françafrique” over, rejecting France’s historical post-colonial strategy of supporting authoritarian regimes to secure resources and military influence.
Addressing the French community, Macron stated, “Sometimes I get the feeling that mindsets haven’t moved along as much as we have,” dismissing accusations of lingering French interference in African affairs.
The remarks responded to criticism from civil society and opposition groups in Gabon, who viewed his visit as implicit support for President Ali Bongo, whose family has ruled for over 50 years and who is expected to seek re-election in 2023.
Historical Context of Françafrique
“Françafrique” refers to France’s post-1960 decolonization policy of backing dictators in former colonies to maintain access to resources and military bases, a practice widely criticized by pan-Africanists.
Macron, echoing former President François Hollande, reiterated that France has abandoned such meddling, focusing instead on partnerships respecting African sovereignty.
Military Presence Overhaul
During a March 27, 2023, speech, Macron announced a “noticeable reduction” in France’s African troop presence in the coming months, emphasizing training and equipping allied forces over direct military engagement.
France withdrew troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic in 2022 amid local hostility, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso, where juntas turned to Russian support, including Wagner Group mercenaries, to combat jihadist insurgencies.
Macron clarified that the restructuring is “neither a withdrawal nor disengagement” but an adaptation to partners’ needs, focusing on issues like maritime piracy, illegal gold mining, environmental crimes, and drug trafficking linked to terrorism in the Lake Chad region.
Current French Military Deployment
France maintains over 3,000 troops in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon, with plans to reconfigure these bases, and another 3,000 in the Sahel, primarily in Niger and Chad.
Djibouti’s base, focused on the Indian Ocean, is unaffected by the overhaul.
The shift aims to bolster local capacities while reducing France’s direct military footprint, addressing growing anti-French sentiment in the region.
Regional and Political Implications
Macron’s visit and statements come amid tensions over France’s historical role in Africa and recent geopolitical shifts, with countries like Mali and Burkina Faso aligning with Russia.
Critics in Gabon see France’s engagement with Bongo as perpetuating dynastic rule, despite Macron’s assurances of non-interference.
The military realignment reflects France’s attempt to redefine its African partnerships amid competition with powers like Russia and China, while addressing environmental and security challenges collaboratively.
