France’s Soft Colonialism in Africa: What Is Macron’s New Policy?
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, Al jazeera recently detailed France’s latest policies toward Africa. The report noted that since Emmanuel Macron took office as president in 2017, Paris has significantly shifted its approach to the continent.
Colonial Policy with a New narrative
The article describes Macron’s African policy as a continuation of colonial strategies under a revised discourse. Despite setbacks following France’s military withdrawal from Mali, Burkina faso, Niger, Chad, and Senegal-marked by the closure of military bases-Macron sought to counter this decline by establishing a framework for French-African military partnership and cooperation. This initiative aims to sustain France’s colonial ambitions while mitigating losses faced by the Élysée Palace amid shifting developments in Africa.
Since assuming office in 2017, Macron has visited 18 African countries. In 2023, he launched France’s renewed strategy on the continent and intensified competition with China, Russia, India, and Turkey.
Is France Losing Monetary Dominance by 2027?
For decades, France has controlled financial markets and monetary systems across many African countries. These nations have expressed dissatisfaction with this dependence and seek new partners who can help dismantle these ties-ties that have rendered them powerless over their own potentials and resources.
The CFA franc-a currency long governed by the French central bank-remains key to maintaining Paris’ control over West African foreign exchange reserves and trade transactions.
Culturally and linguistically too, French influence is waning following Mali’s, Burkina faso’s-and Niger’s departures from La Francophonie headquartered in Paris. This organization promotes French language presence along with cultural diversity support as well as peacebuilding efforts through education.
african countries are reconsidering using French as their official language of education: Rwanda switched its official language from French to English recently; Senegal is undergoing similar changes.President Macky Sall currently supports adopting Arabic officially instead of French in Senegal.
From Traditional Colonialism Toward Modern forms
West African nations demand full freedom from French dominance alongside official acknowledgment by Paris of past abuses that hindered Africa’s development projects for decades.
The path forward requires not only recognition but also formal apologies accompanied by reparations addressing damages inflicted upon West Africa. Former President Jacques Chirac remarked before his death in September 2019: “Do not forget part of our wealth came from exploiting Africa; common sense dictates returning what we took-it may at least spare us many problems and unrest.”
The declaration of “French exit” under Emmanuel Macron – although primarily military – signals strategic rearrangement rather than abandonment: Paris replaces traditional direct military control with flexible instruments such as economic ties diplomacy cultural outreach aimed at safeguarding vital interests while reducing costs and responsibilities linked directly with troops on African soil.
