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
Sub-Saharan Africa Center
Founded in 2007, Ifri's Sub-Saharan Africa center produces an in-depth analysis of the African continent and its security, geopolitical, political and socio-economic dynamics (in particular the phenomenon of urbanization). The Center aims to be both, through various publications and conferences, a space for disseminating analyzes intended for the media and the public but also a decision-making tool for political and economic actors with regard to the continent.
The center produces analyses for various organizations such as the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the French Development Agency (AFD) and even for various private supports. Its researchers are regularly interviewed by parliamentary committees.
The organization of events of various formats complements the production of analyzes by bringing the different spheres of the public space (academic, political, media, economic and civil society) to meet and exchange analytical tools and visions of the continent. The Sub-Saharan Africa Center regularly welcomes political leaders from different sub-Saharan African countries.
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