Redefining Africa: Why France is Losing Its Grip on Former Colonies

France’s historical ties to its former African colonies have long been characterized by economic exploitation, political influence, and military intervention.

However, recent events, particularly coups in countries like Niger and Gabon, indicate a significant shift in these dynamics.

These developments underscore a growing sentiment among Africans to sever the lingering neocolonial ties and assert their sovereignty.

France’s colonial empire in Africa was vast, encompassing large swaths of West and Central Africa.

After decolonization in the 1960s, France maintained a strong influence over its former colonies through a network of political, economic, and military arrangements known as “Françafrique.”

This neocolonial strategy ensured that French companies continued to exploit African resources, and friendly African leaders received military and political support in exchange for loyalty to Paris.

Exploitation

France’s control over its former colonies was largely economic. The CFA franc, a currency used by 14 African countries, is a prime example.

Created in 1945, the CFA franc is pegged to the euro, and its reserves are held by the French Treasury. This system has been criticized for stifling the economic independence of African nations, effectively making them financially dependent on France.

French multinational companies, particularly in the oil, mining, and telecommunications sectors, have also played a significant role. Companies like TotalEnergies and Orange have maintained extensive operations in Africa, often under conditions favorable to French interests but detrimental to local economies and environments.

This economic dominance has been a source of resentment among Africans who see their resources being exploited without significant benefits to their communities.

Political and Military Influence

France has frequently intervened militarily in its former colonies to protect its interests and support friendly regimes. The French military has bases in several African countries, including Djibouti, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire.

These bases have been used to launch interventions in conflicts, such as in Mali in 2013, under the guise of fighting terrorism but often perceived as protecting French economic and strategic interests.

Coups
The recent coups in Niger and Gabon are symbolic of the growing resistance to French influence in Africa.

In July 2023, Niger experienced a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup was led by the presidential guard, citing corruption, poor governance, and the inability to deal with security threats from Islamist insurgents.

However, underlying these reasons was a significant anti-French sentiment. France has had a military presence in Niger for years, ostensibly to fight terrorism in the Sahel region.

Yet, many Nigeriens view the French presence as an occupation that has not brought peace but rather prolonged instability.

The coup leaders quickly moved to suspend agreements with France, demanding the departure of French troops and the closure of military bases. This move resonated with many Nigeriens who see France as a neocolonial power exploiting their country’s uranium resources while failing to improve security or economic conditions.

Gabon: Echoes of Discontent

In August 2023, Gabon also witnessed a military coup that removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power. The Bongo family had ruled Gabon for over 50 years, during which time they maintained close ties with France.

Gabon’s vast oil reserves have long been exploited by French companies, and the Bongo regime ensured that French interests were protected in exchange for political and financial support.

The coup in Gabon was driven by widespread discontent with the Bongo family’s corruption and mismanagement. Many Gabonese viewed the French support for the Bongos as complicit in their suffering.

The coup leaders cited the need to restore democracy and end the exploitation of Gabon’s resources by foreign entities, particularly France.

Sovereignty

The recent coups in Niger and Gabon reflect a broader trend across Africa: the desire to break free from neocolonial ties and assert national sovereignty. Several factors contribute to this movement.

Africans are increasingly demanding control over their resources and economies. The CFA franc is seen as a symbol of economic dependence on France, and there are growing calls for its abolition.

Countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal have begun discussing creating a new, independent currency to replace the CFA franc, aiming to establish greater economic sovereignty.

African leaders are also pushing for better deals with foreign companies.

The renegotiation of mining contracts in countries like Guinea and Tanzania reflects a broader effort to ensure that African nations benefit more equitably from their natural resources.

The desire for political autonomy drives movements against regimes perceived as puppets of foreign powers.

In Mali, where French troops have been present for years, the military junta that took power in 2020 has expelled French forces, accusing them of failing to defeat Islamist militants and instead pursuing their interests.

Similar sentiments are evident in Burkina Faso, where anti-French protests have become more frequent.

The Burkinabé government has also sought to diversify its military partnerships, engaging with Russia and other non-Western countries.

The rejection of French influence is also cultural. African nations are reclaiming their histories, languages, and identities that were suppressed or altered during colonial rule.

Movements to remove French as an official language, promote indigenous languages, and repatriate cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era are gaining momentum.

Solidarity

African countries are increasingly working together to address common challenges. The African Union and regional organizations like ECOWAS are taking more active roles in conflict resolution and economic development, seeking African-led solutions rather than relying on former colonial powers.

France has responded to these shifts with a mix of diplomacy and military adjustments. President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the need for a new relationship with Africa, emphasizing partnership and mutual respect.

However, France’s actions, such as the withdrawal of troops from Mali and the relocation of military operations to Niger, have been viewed with skepticism.

France’s economic strategies are also adapting, with French companies exploring ways to engage more equitably with African nations.

Nonetheless, the legacy of exploitation and the deep-seated mistrust among Africans present significant challenges to redefining these relationships.

Broadly put, the recent coups in Niger and Gabon are emblematic of a broader movement across Africa to break free from the lingering grip of neo-colonialism.

For decades, France maintained control over its former colonies through economic exploitation, political influence, and military intervention. However, Africans are increasingly demanding sovereignty, economic independence, and cultural reclamation.

The drive to end the CFA franc, renegotiate resource contracts, expel foreign troops, and reclaim cultural heritage reflects a profound desire for self-determination.

While France has begun to acknowledge the need for a new relationship with Africa, the path forward requires addressing the historical injustices and building genuine partnerships based on mutual respect and benefit.

As Africa continues to assert its sovereignty, the legacy of colonialism and the realities of neocolonialism will remain central to understanding the continent’s future.

The recent events in Niger and Gabon are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, transformative movement that could redefine Africa’s relationship with the world.

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