The slow death of Françafrique

From N’Djamena and Dakar Poisoned arrows have been fired in recent weeks against Françafrique, this cooperation project between the countries of French-speaking Africa and the former colonial power, so much praised by our presidents up to Emmanuel Macron. Are we still far from the final blow? Russians, Chinese and others are positioned to replace, at least partially, French influence.

Chad and Senegal will send back French troops, and Dakar, although reputed to be France’s best friend in sub-Saharan Africa, makes it clear that the time when France could treat its former colonies like adolescents needing it is over.

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso had already severed ties with France, their juntas accusing the troops of Operation Barkhane launched by François Hollande of having favored the interests of Paris and failed miserably against the jihadists.

Over the years, seeing these “family photos” at the end of the summit taken in different capitals, I had never really believed in the sincerity of such openly displayed friendships. Even Emmanuel Macron’s famous 2017 speech to African students in Ouagadougou, where he promised restitution of looted works of art, as well as his other critical comments on “colonization, a crime against humanity”, were not was able to stem a movement of resentment against France. For young populations, France was the occupying power of the countries of their fathers, diverting their wealth for its own benefit. In addition, certain “friends” of France, like Omar Bongo in Gabon or Paul Biya in Cameroon, were not recommended allies, not to mention Bokassa and his diamonds offered to Giscard. Françafrique then appeared as an instrument allowing France to maintain its lucrative interests.

Ingratitude? No doubt, but the tide has turned. Russia’s malicious social networks, its mercenaries, the incredible projects (at first glance) of China and others will do the rest of the work and Françafrique risks perishing in the long term.