France is losing its grip on Africa as former colonies reassert their independence and push back against decades-long ties to Paris. The latest blow came from Chad, where President Mahamat Deby announced that the country would end defense cooperation with France, citing a desire to redefine sovereignty.
Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, echoed similar sentiments, saying that France’s presence in Senegal was “not inevitable.” The move marks a significant shift for France, which had maintained a policy of economic, political, and military sway dubbed Françafrique since the independence of its colonies.
France still has troops stationed in several African countries, including Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, and Djibouti. However, with Chad’s departure, it appears that Paris’s post-colonial military dominance in the Sahel region is coming to an end.
Critics argue that keeping French troops on the ground allows Paris to retain influence over fragile regimes and stifle dissent. “The countries of Francophone Africa want a change in the nature of this relationship,” said Gilles Yabi, head of the West Africa Citizen Think Tank.
Growing anti-French sentiment has led to street protests across the continent, with governments seeking alternative alliances with powers like Russia, China, Turkey, and other nations. Chad’s decision is seen as part of a broader trend, with neighboring Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso also expelling French forces in recent years.
The security situation in these countries remains dire, with increasing numbers of extremist attacks and civilian deaths. Analysts warn that Russia’s involvement in the region has created new challenges, including the deployment of mercenaries accused of abuses against civilians.
As France seeks to revamp its strategy on the continent, it appears that Paris is facing an uncertain future in Africa.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/france-chad-military-senegal-sahel-russia-85f2cf5066033db4b0bd044a7ed80438