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February 12, 2025

Africa: Macron’s Africa ‘Reset’ Stumbles As Leaders Call Out Colonial Overtones

French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to “reset” France’s relationship with its former African colonies appear to be faltering. Seven years after coming to power with promises of reform, a growing number of West African nations are asking for French troops to leave, signalling a breakdown in relations.

Seven former French colonies have changed their cooperation policy with France in recent months. Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon made the move in the past three years, followed by Senegal, Chad and Côte d’Ivoire in recent weeks.

Some have gone as far as demanding a complete withdrawal of French forces.

During his annual address to ambassadors this month, Macron criticised what he called African nations’ “ingratitude” toward France. He said leaders had failed to say “thank you” for France’s military interventions, including the 2013 operation in the Sahel.

“It’s no big matter, it will come with time,” Macron said, adding that without France’s counterterrorism efforts, “none of them” would be governing a sovereign nation today.

Angry reactions

The comments drew sharp rebukes from African leaders.

Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, called Macron’s remarks an insult. “To him, we are not human beings,” Traoré said.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also criticised Macron, reminding him that African soldiers had fought for France during World War II. “It was thanks to our ancestors that France exists today,” Sonko said.

Macron also claimed that the recently announced withdrawal of French troops from Chad and Senegal had been negotiated. However, leaders from both nations have publicly denied this, calling his statements inaccurate.

The loss of influence in Chad, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire – long considered French allies in Africa – marks a significant shift. Chad has played a central role in French military strategy in the Sahel, while Senegal has been one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.

By Allafrica

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