Publié le 10/05/2022
Patrols in the streets of Gao, 2019
Credits: Sergeant Tanhao Stadel / French Army
Laurent BANSEPT, Elie TENENBAUM
Nearly a decade after its successful war against terrorism in Mali, France is now in the process of turning a page in its military history in Africa. The upcoming end of Operation Barkhane, scheduled since the spring of 2021, comes, however, in a particularly deteriorated strategic context.

While building a solid combat partnership with local forces was at the heart of French strategy, the tricolor flag is leaving Mali in a context of diplomatic rupture and unequivocal progress of Russian influence in the country. At the same time, the outbreak of war in Ukraine transformed the European geopolitical landscape, unavoidably questioning France's expeditionary posture and its efforts to Europeanize the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. Finally, the jihadi threat continues to progress, gradually making its way to the countries of the Gulf of Guinea where the key French political, economic and security interests in the region are located.

This evolution makes it even more urgent for France to adapt its military and strategic posture in the entire region. It must first aim to redefine its ambitions and objectives, with a clear appreciation of the resources that can be devoted to them. Finally, it must lead to a global and coherent adaptation of its system.

 

This content is available in French: "Après Barkhane : repenser la posture stratégique française en Afrique de l’Ouest" [1].