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Before and during his presidential campaign, Nicolas Sarkozy wished to improve the French policy in Africa. Nonetheless, quarrels among « ancient » and « moderns » seem to survive, sending mixed signals: dissolving the « African cell », but going on visiting the countries having traditionally special relationships with France, the Dakar speech, etc. At a very slow pace, the French policy is changing, also helped by evolution on the African side.Assane Thaim is the pen name of a French senior civil servant, currently working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Africa.