France in Africa: Tabula Rasa
On November 29, 2024, Chad announced its decision to terminate its defense cooperation agreement with France, a move that marks a turning point for European security presence in Africa. Hours earlier, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had declared his intent to expel French troops from his country. His remarks were sharp: would France tolerate Senegalese tanks and soldiers in its country? Capturing a sentiment growing across Africa, the move demonstrated firm pushback against a Western foreign military presence that many African leaders perceive as dated.
These developments symbolize a drastic shift in the balance of power in West Africa. For decades, French military bases in Africa were seen as cornerstones of strategic partnerships, granting France influence far beyond its borders. With 2,300 troops still stationed across Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, and Senegal, and 1,500 in Djibouti, Paris relies heavily on these agreements to maintain its geopolitical foothold. But today, these arrangements are facing unprecedented scrutiny from African leaders and citizens.
In Senegal, this pivot is unsurprising. The ruling Patriots of Senegal Party (PASTEF), buoyed by a wave of pan-African fervor, has advocated for reducing foreign influence. Their newfound political dominance is likely to allow them to deliver on promises of sovereignty with significant public backing.
Chad’s decision, however, came as a surprise. Historically a steadfast ally of France, Chad’s relationship with Paris seemed solid, particularly under the late Idriss Déby Itno, whose security policies aligned closely with French interests. His son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, initially appeared to follow suit, reinforced by Macron’s visit early in his tenure. Yet Chad’s geopolitical calculus has shifted. Leveraging its strategic position at the crossroads of crises in Libya, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, Chad has diversified its security partnerships, exploring ties with Türkiye and the UAE and even hinting at a future collaboration with Russia. This reorientation signals a desire to assert greater autonomy on the global stage.
What we are witnessing is part of a broader wave of economic and diplomatic recalibration across Africa. The continent is moving away from the postcolonial paradigms that long defined its relationships with the “Global North”. Military bases, once framed as symbols of security and partnership, are increasingly viewed as relics of paternalism. Social movements and political leaders alike have amplified calls for sovereignty, reflecting a broader shift toward a multilateral approach to global diplomacy.
From the transatlantic perspective, these developments represent a significant challenge to Western influence in the region. While the EU and the United States approach development cooperation differently—Europe emphasizes partnership and mutual benefits, and America prioritizes countering rival powers—their responses reflect an urgent need to adapt. The 2023 US-EU Summit statement reaffirmed a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation with African partners on security challenges. Collaborative infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor are part of their strategy to maintain relevance in a region that is increasingly asserting its independence. However, the question remains whether these initiatives can keep pace with Africa’s rapidly diversifying alliances.
France, meanwhile, is scrambling to stay ahead of the curve. A report by Macron’s special envoy for Africa, commissioned by the Élysée, was rumored to push for “renewed and co-constructed” partnerships focused on mutual respect and African agency. There were also whispers of joint military bases with other European allies and the United States. But with Chad’s and Senegal’s rejections coming just days after the report’s arrival, it seems that these moves are a case of too little, too late.
The broader implications are clear: Africa is no longer tethered to its historical partnerships. Nations are exploring alternative alliances, as evidenced by Chad’s engagement with Hungary and other non-traditional actors. This diversification underscores a key point: today’s African nations have options, and they are not afraid to use them.
France’s challenge is to pivot from a position of presumed dominance to one of genuine partnership. As seen with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Paris, France has already been trying to make waves in Anglophone Africa, where its colonial past is less weighty. What is undeniable is that Africa is gearing up for a multilateral future, rethinking its place in the global order, and demanding that others respect its agency along the way. Now it remains to be seen whether Paris can renew its playbook to navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape with humility and innovative thinking.