Coming to power having promised to rebuild the relationship between France and its former colonies, Emmanuel Macron had to face a series of crises, particularly in the Sahel region. In the English-speaking part of the continent, Paris struggled to find its place.
France has formally handed over its last military bases in Senegal on Thursday, ending a 65-year presence in the country. The move marked the latest in a string of withdrawals from former colonies as Paris faces growing calls across Africa to end its military footprint.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has accused Algeria of disregarding the terms of the 1968 agreement between the two countries
The danger is a security void now opens up
Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that French troops will begin withdrawing in January as part of a shift towards strengthening its own military forces. This move follows broader trends across West Africa, with nations like Senegal and Chad also reevaluating their defence partnerships and asserting greater sovereignty.
The military juntas of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a treaty of confederation Saturday bringing together 72 million people into the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). It’s a decision, they say, that will not only allow the three nations to wipe the scourge of jihadist violence from their countries, but to build a new economic alliance that will reshape West Africa.
The ECOWAS has mandated Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its representative to negotiate with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
Documents detailing new-level ties between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were signed at a summit on Saturday
France is planning to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa to around 600 troops in line with President Emmanuel Macron's plans to limit the French military footprint in the region, three sources told AFP.
President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a four-country visit as he slashes the French military presence and says colonial-era habits and attitudes must die.
