The dilemma of the Franco-African military relationship: reinvent or turn the page?
The origins of military presence and cooperation in Africa can be traced back to the tacit decolonization pact between the countries of French-speaking Africa. This cooperation led to the creation of African armies in the former colonies, as part of a project to prevent the spread of communism and maintain France's influence in the newly independent countries.
The dilemma of the Franco-African military relationship: reinvent or turn the page?
From 1970 to the beginning of the 21st century, the French army's overseas operations on the continent have been multiplied to an over-militarizing the Franco-African relationship. They overshadowed its other dimensions and are distorting the vision of France's interests in Africa.
By 2024, the reasons for French military cooperation in Africa have all but disappeared. The only justification for this cooperation is to help West African governments combat the spread of the jihadist threat.
Instead of demilitarizing the Franco-African relationship, the French government is seeking to invent a new model of military partnership. It is politically risky and will not put an end to the most visible and criticized aspects of the Franco-African military relationship.
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Thierry VIRCOULON
Associate Research Fellow, Coordinator of the Observatory of Central and Southern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa Center, Ifri
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