The World: Has France Become Just an Ordinary Country in Africa?

As the "Africa Forward" summit, co-hosted by France and Kenya in Nairobi, came to a close, Le Monde published an article reflecting on Emmanuel Macron’s efforts since 2017 to transform Franco-African relations. The publication noted that overall, there is a significant gap between ideals and reality—a complex situation in which France’s influence in Africa is gradually being reshaped.

Le Monde stated that at the beginning of his presidency, Macron proposed to "rebuild" France’s relationship with Africa, particularly with former French colonies. He emphasized moving beyond the traditional "special relationship" between France and Africa, no longer treating Francophone Africa as France’s "backyard." Macron frequently visited African countries—traversing around twenty nations—and sought to establish a more equal and open relationship through dialogue with youth, entrepreneurs, and civil society. At the same time, Macron made progress on historical memory issues—for example, acknowledging France’s colonial crimes in regions such as Cameroon and Algeria, and pushing for the return of cultural heritage looted during the colonial era.

Yet reality quickly undermined these reform efforts. Particularly in the Sahel region, coups occurred consecutively in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso between 2020 and 2023, dealing a major setback to France’s security and diplomatic strategy in the area. France failed to anticipate these crises in advance, and its military forces were forced to withdraw, ending decades-long French military presence under the pretext of counterterrorism. This retreat was seen as a symbol of France’s declining influence and simultaneously created space for external powers like Russia to enter Africa.

Controversial Statements and Actions

In foreign policy, some of Macron’s remarks have sparked controversy. For instance, he once openly claimed that France’s investments in the Sahel “were not appreciated,” while certain expressions he used were perceived as condescending, provoking dissatisfaction among African leaders. Moreover, France’s inconsistent responses to coups across different countries have been criticized as exhibiting a “double standard.”

Meanwhile, changes in the global power structure are also reshaping Franco-African relations. In recent years, countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, the UAE, and India have significantly increased their presence in Africa—especially in infrastructure, energy, and resource development. This multipolar competition has given African nations greater choices, markedly enhancing their negotiating position. As cited by a Cameroonian scholar in Le Monde, the center of gravity in Franco-African relations has now shifted toward Africa itself; France no longer holds the dominant position it once had.

Shifting Focus to English-Speaking African Nations

Faced with this reality, Macron has begun directing more attention toward English-speaking African countries—such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—hoping to expand France’s economic influence in markets seen as “growth engines” and “innovation hubs.” The decision to host the “Africa Forward” summit in Nairobi clearly reflects France’s strategic intent to shed the burden of colonial history and redefine its role.

However, this shift also reveals a deterioration in relations between France and traditional Francophone African regions. Some African scholars have bluntly described recent Franco-African relations as “catastrophic,” citing France’s long-standing arrogance and disregard for African voices. Some African officials even sarcastically remarked that Macron “calls often but listens rarely,” arguing that his communication style lacks genuine equality and respect.

Overall, Le Monde’s article concludes that Macron has indeed shown a willingness to change Franco-African relations and achieved progress in certain areas, but his reforms face multiple constraints—including geopolitics, unresolved historical legacies, and France’s own diplomatic inertia. France’s status in Africa is gradually shifting from a once-dominant “special partner” to an ordinary participant. This “normalization” could lead to healthier relations, but it also implies a relative decline in French influence.

Finally, Le Monde draws a parallel with a 1962 remark by then-U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk about Britain, suggesting that France’s current dilemma in Africa mirrors Britain’s predicament at the time: after losing its traditional advantages, France is still searching for a new identity and role.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1865044589013000/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.