EDITORIAL. Can France be a partner like the others in Africa?

France and Africa, two names too often linked since the 1960s. “Françafrique”, this gaseous system of political and economic influence of France on its former colonies. A time of another time. Because, this Monday, February 27, to make things clear during a press conference from Paris, Emmanuel Macron said it again: “I have no nostalgia for Françafrique“. On his desk was also inscribed “Partnership Africa-France”, a cleverly chosen meaning in case it was not clear…

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This is not the first time that Paris has announced the end of Françafrique. But unlike his predecessors, Emmanuel Macron is the first President born after the independence of these African countries. He always said he wanted to turn this page. This was already at the heart of his Ouagadougou speech in November 2017. Very concretely, this Monday, the Head of State announced the “visible decrease” French military bases and co-management of these sites with the host countries. Emmanuel Macron also announced a “framework law“for new restitutions of works of art. One more gesture after the reform of the CFA Franc or the work of memory towards Algeria or Rwanda. “France no longer has a backyard in Africa, it has duties and interests“, hammered the President.

Should influence rhyme with interference?

Is it just a formula? The reality is that France actually no longer has a pre-square in Africa. There is also a paradox. Anti-French sentiment has never been stronger. We saw it in Mali as in Burkina Faso. But this comes at a time when French interests have never been weaker on the continent.

The best illustration is the collapse of our trade relations. In 20 years, the market share of French companies has been halved. China has taken a good part of the business. For its part, Russia has made a comeback and is largely involved in the destabilization of French interests in Africa.

In this context, is the decline of France on the African continent inevitable? Like the other great powers, does France have the right, without naivety or interference, to seek relays of influence and business in Africa? Can the Élysée promote Francophonie without being accused of wanting to revive Françafrique? For Emmanuel Macron, questions and a balancing act that will last four days.