Africa: 'Too Arrogant, Too Sure of Itself' France Confronts Its Legacy in Africa

What the report says

Fifteen years after France pledged a reset with Africa, a new RFI book argues that Paris is still struggling to replace the old Françafrique model with a relationship based on equality. The article, published by Radio France Internationale and carried by AllAfrica, centers on France specialist Christophe Boisbouvier, who says French policy has oscillated between rejecting colonial-style interference and trying to preserve influence on the continent.

Boisbouvier’s book, "Françafrique Is Dead, Long Live Africa-France," examines how French military, political and economic influence has come under pressure as several African governments have distanced themselves from Paris. The piece highlights French troop withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as the end of permanent deployments in Chad, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire through negotiated arrangements. It also recalls earlier flashpoints, including Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2007 Dakar speech and disputes over Emmanuel Macron’s approach to Africa.

The article says France now faces a shifting balance of power, with Africa’s combined economy approaching a larger size than France’s. Boisbouvier argues that future ties should rely on respect and partnership rather than dominance. He points to examples such as the Africa-France summit in Nairobi and Senegal’s current, more sovereignty-focused relationship with Paris as signs that cooperation is still possible, though without the military presence that once defined French policy.

The piece also notes that Russia has gained ground in parts of Africa by presenting itself as an alternative security partner, especially in the Sahel. Boisbouvier suggests that France must adjust to this changing environment if it wants to remain relevant, while avoiding the arrogance that has damaged its standing in the past.