French President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a significant tour of East Africa, a strategic move by Paris to mend economic and security ties and recalibrate its influence across the continent. This initiative comes as France grapples with a surge in anti-French sentiment and seeks to rebuild its standing after recent setbacks, particularly in its former West African colonies.
A Diplomatic Journey Across East Africa
Macron’s three-country tour commenced in Egypt on Saturday, with subsequent stops planned for Kenya and Ethiopia. A key highlight of the visit will be his co-hosting of the “Africa Forward” summit in English-speaking Kenya on Monday and Tuesday. This event marks a pivotal moment as France aims to redefine its engagement in Africa, shifting from its traditional postcolonial role towards a model of closer cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships. The summit is expected to gather African leaders and business executives, with numerous agreements between French and Kenyan companies anticipated to boost economic and commercial collaboration. Notably, this will be the first time Macron attends such a summit in an Anglophone country since assuming office in 2017.
The tour will conclude in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where President Macron is scheduled to hold meetings with Ethiopian officials and participate in crucial discussions at the African Union headquarters concerning peace and security on the continent.
Addressing Shifting Dynamics and Anti-French Sentiment
The tour is widely interpreted as a concerted effort by Paris to repair strained relationships and counter the growing wave of anti-French sentiment observed in various parts of Africa. Historically, France maintained significant political and economic influence over large swathes of West and Central Africa long after their independence, often accused of supporting unpopular leaders for strategic gains. However, the continent’s landscape is rapidly evolving, with a strong push for more equitable, win-win partnerships, greater control over natural resources, and broader alliances beyond traditional Western partners.
The Sahel: A Turning Point
The most pronounced rupture in France’s relationship with Africa has occurred in the Sahel region. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have experienced military coups, leading to a rapid deterioration of ties with France. French forces, deployed for years in counter-terrorism operations, were subsequently expelled, with many local governments and segments of the public viewing their efforts as ineffective. This vacuum has seen the region’s military rulers turn to new security partners, most notably Russia, whose influence – including through the Wagner Group and its successor networks – has expanded partly by capitalizing on existing anti-French sentiment.
Macron’s Vision for a New Partnership
President Macron is actively working to reshape France’s Africa policy, aiming to replace traditional influence with what he terms genuine “partnerships.” This new approach emphasizes deeper cultural and educational cooperation, with a focus on entrepreneurship, climate initiatives, and youth engagement. These efforts represent France’s attempt to reinvent its postcolonial relationship with African states and effectively compete with other global powers like China and Russia. While Paris is clearly committed to shifting its Africa policy, questions regarding the extent and nature of its future influence on the continent undoubtedly persist.
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