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.
The memo is only available in French.
Available in:
Themes and regions
ISBN / ISSN
Share
Related centers and programs
Discover our other research centers and programsFind out more
Discover all our analysesThe Contradictory Impacts of Western Sanctions on Economic Relations between Russia and Sub-Saharan Africa
How does Russia maintain economic ties with Africa despite Western sanctions? An analysis of investments, trade, and the circumvention strategies deployed by Moscow.
The Revenue Sources Sustaining Sudan’s Civil War. Lessons for the year 2023
Wars require money and resources, and often, most conflicts involve controlling sources of income and supply lines or denying them to enemies. This has been the case in Sudan’s past conflicts and is again as the civil war—between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by General Abdelfattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Daglo “Hemedti” —has sunk into a protracted conflict.
Anglo-Kenyan Relations (1920-2024) : Conflict, Alliance and a Redemptive Arc
This article provides an evidentiary basis for postcolonial policy in its analysis of Anglo-Kenyan relations in a decolonization era.
When City Diplomacy Meets Geopolitics: A Framework to Help Cities Navigate Geopolitical Risk
Crises and the increasing polarization of international relations make political risk analysis an indispensable resource for internationally active public and private entities.