This article argues that the French military withdrawal of French troops from key Francophone African countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Chad—marks a pivotal moment in the region’s post-colonial history. Long criticized for perpetuating neo-colonial relationships under the guise of counterterrorism and stability, France’s military presence has increasingly been met with local resistance. While the departure is celebrated in some quarters as a step toward sovereignty, the evolving power dynamics in the wake of this withdrawal raise critical questions about the future of security, governance, and external influence in Francophone Africa.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Dependency
France’s military presence in Francophone Africa is deeply rooted in colonial history. Its troops act as the de facto guarantors of stability in its former colonies. Through operations such as Serval, Sangaris, and Barkhane, France justified its interventions as necessary to combat terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region. Operation Serval (2013) was launched in Mali to halt the advance of Islamist militant groups that had taken control of northern areas, threatening to overrun the capital, Bamako. France justified the intervention as a necessity to stabilize the country and prevent the establishment of a terrorist stronghold in the Sahel. However, ritics of France’s Military Interventions in Francophone Africa, argue that these actions often perpetuate a cycle of dependency on foreign forces, undermining the sovereignty of the nations involved.
Critics like Choguel Kokalla Maïga, Mali’s Prime Minister, have strongly condemned France’s military presence and argue that France’s military interventions in Francophone Africa often prioritize its own geopolitical and economic interests, such as securing access to valuable resources like uranium in Niger, rather than addressing local grievances or fostering sustainable security. Several notable voices and events support these criticisms, labeling its policies as “neocolonialist, condescending, paternalist, and vengeful.” His remarks highlight a growing sentiment that French interventions perpetuate neo-imperial dynamics, undermining local autonomy and self-determination. Niger’s Military Junta, following the 2023 coup, accused France of plotting military intervention to restore the deposed president. This allegation intensified skepticism about France’s true motives, suggesting that its actions are more about preserving influence in the region than ensuring stability or democracy.
Anti-French Sentiment and the Push for Sovereignty
Niger’s military rulers have taken decisive steps to assert control over French uranium mining operations, a critical resource for France’s nuclear energy sector. By reclaiming these operations, the rulers aim to reduce French economic dominance and reassert national sovereignty, underscoring the belief that France’s military presence has been tied to safeguarded its economic interests rather than addressing the root causes of insecurity.
In recent years, anti-French sentiment has surged across Francophone Africa, with citizens in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger staging protests demanding the end of France’s military presence. Protesters accuse France of failing to stem the tide of jihadist violence while undermining national sovereignty. In Niger, for instance, tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside a French military base in the capital, Niamey, demanding the departure of French troops. Similarly, in Burkina Faso, anti-French sentiment has increased, with demonstrations calling for the end of French military involvement. In Mali, regular demonstrations have protested France’s presence in the region.
These protests reflect a growing perception among local populations that France’s military interventions have not effectively addressed security concerns and have compromised the sovereignty of the nations involved. Governments, particularly military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso, have leveraged rising anti-French sentiment to redefine their alliances, distancing themselves from France and fostering closer ties with Russia. Mali expelled French troops in 2022, replacing them with Russia’s Wagner Group to address security challenges while asserting sovereignty. Similarly, Burkina Faso removed French forces, canceled military agreements, and expelled France’s ambassador in 2023, signaling a pivot toward alternative partnerships. Both countries have framed these moves as efforts to reclaim independence, enhance security, and reject neo-colonial influence., signaling a broader rejection of France’s paternalistic role in the region.
The Rise of New Alliances
France’s exit has created a power vacuum that other players, most notably Russia, are rapidly filling. In Mali and the CAR, Russian influence has grown significantly, facilitated by the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries. These new partnerships are framed as alternatives to neo-colonialism but bring their risks. Wagner’s presence, for example, has been linked to human rights abuses and opaque resource deals, raising concerns about the long-term implications for government Sovereignty.
China has significantly expanded its African presence through substantial economic investments and infrastructure development, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Notable examples include Nigeria: China has been instrumental in funding and constructing major infrastructure projects. Recently, the China Development Bank approved a $254.76 million loan for Nigeria to facilitate the construction of a railway linking Kano and Kaduna in the northern region. This project aims to connect Kano with Abuja’s capital, providing residents with a safe and efficient transportation option.
Security Challenges: Filling the Void
The withdrawal of French troops from Francophone African countries has led to significant security challenges, particularly in Burkina Faso. Despite aspirations for sovereignty, the departure of French forces has left substantial security gaps. Escalation of Violence In 2023, Burkina Faso experienced a severe increase in deadly violence, with over 8,000 reported fatalities, marking a conflict of civil war-like proportions. Despite the army’s efforts, including ground offensives supported by drones and helicopters, militants have continued to expand their reach, leading to significant setbacks for the military.
The intensifying conflict has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis. Over 2.1 million people have been displaced due to violence perpetrated by Islamic extremists and government-affiliated fighters. Many have sought refuge in the capital, Ouagadougou, yet face precarious living conditions and limited government support. The government’s downplaying of their existence exacerbates their plight, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized.
The military junta, which seized power in 2022, has struggled to contain the insurgency. Despite initial public support for a fresh start, there is growing disillusionment as the junta prioritizes regime protection and resource control over effectively combating insurgent groups. Collaborations with foreign mercenaries have not yielded the desired stability, and the delay in democratic transitions further erodes public confidence.
The instability in Burkina Faso poses significant risks to the broader Sahel region. The country has become a haven for jihadist groups, facilitating the spread of extremist violence into neighboring nations. The potential for regional destabilization underscores the urgency for coordinated and effective responses to the insurgency.
Broader Implications for Francophone Africa
The withdrawal of French troops symbolizes a broader shift in Franco-African relations. It challenges the traditional dependency model but also underscores the fragility of state institutions in many of these countries. The departure of French forces has exposed deep-rooted governance issues, including corruption, weak institutions, and social inequality. French military support may have previously masked these structural problems, but its withdrawal has only exposed the fragility of state institutions; the exit of French troops has, in some instances, created a security vacuum, emboldening extremist groups to perpetrate violence against civilians, government officials, and security forces. For example, in Burkina Faso, the withdrawal of French troops from Mali has had a far-reaching impact, leading to renewed fighting between jihadist groups and a deterioration in security.
Conclusion: Sovereignty or New Dependencies?
While withdrawing French troops is a significant step toward dismantling neo-colonial structures, it does not guarantee sovereignty. The embrace of new alliances, particularly with Russia and China, risks replacing one form of dependency with another. To achieve genuineautonomy, Francophone Africa must invest in building inclusive institutions, addressing the root causes of insecurity, and fostering regional cooperation.
Ultimately, Francophone Africa’s future will depend on its ability to navigate these changing alliances while asserting its agency on the global stage. The challenge lies not in choosing between France, Russia, or China but in reclaiming the power to shape its destiny.
Fawzi Ahmed is a professional in research and fellowship specialising in governance, human rights, and peace and security in Africa.
I hoped it won’t be a case of from fry pan to fire..