French President Calls for Rethinking Africa Relations
President Emmanuel Macron admitted declining French influence in Africa again at the Africa–France summit in Nairobi, saying French companies had for too long assumed privileged access across the continent while competitors expanded their presence.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Macron said relations between France and African countries are undergoing major change as Paris attempts to redefine its role on the continent.
“For 25 years, France has been present in Africa,” Macron said.
“Too many people – we need to say this – in large companies have had the thought that we are French and therefore we have the entitlement to everything,” he stated.
Macron Says Global Rivals Outpaced French Companies
Macron said countries including China, Turkey, the United States and regional African competitors had overtaken French firms in some sectors by being ‘more competitive.’
The French president also described Africa as ‘the most dynamic continent in the world,’ pointing to economic growth and demographic expansion driven by a young population.
France Continues Military Withdrawal Across Sahel
The Nairobi summit comes as France continues to face declining political and military influence in parts of West and Central Africa.
French forces have withdrawn or significantly reduced their military presence in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in recent years, including the full withdrawal of Operation Barkhane from Mali in 2022, the exit of French special forces from Burkina Faso in 2023, and the departure of around 1,500 troops from Niger following the 2023 political transition.
Article by Viory
