The geopolitical landscape of Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a recalibration of alliances and a decisive push for sovereignty by nations in the Sahel. In this context, a notable shift is underway: France, historically a dominant power in its former colonies, is increasingly turning towards Anglophone African nations to forge new strategic partnerships. This realignment was most recently underscored by the signing of a major cooperation agreement between French President Emmanuel Macron and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, signaling Paris’s intent to secure new allies in a region where its traditional influence is waning.
This diplomatic move comes as France grapples with a series of setbacks in West Africa. The military-led governments of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have openly criticized French actions, accusing Paris of pursuing neocolonial ambitions and contributing to instability in their nations. The severance of diplomatic ties by Burkina Faso and the expulsion of French troops from parts of the region represent a clear rejection of France’s historical role. This loss of influence has forced France to seek new avenues to maintain its presence and protect its strategic interests on the continent.
A central element of this new strategy is a deepening security partnership with Nigeria. French military support for Nigeria and Benin, particularly in their joint efforts to combat jihadist groups along their shared border, has become a key component of this cooperation. This includes intelligence sharing and training, as agreed upon by President Macron and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. It should also be noted that France supplies military equipment to Nigeria, which shares a border with Niger. France has repeatedly been accused by Niger of supporting armed groups.
Some observers express concern that this robust engagement could become a stepping stone for France to re-establish a foothold in the broader West African region, potentially using Nigeria as a base to justify a return to the AES countries. The recent statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, regarding the need for international intervention in the Mali conflict, highlights the complex and potentially contentious nature of this cooperation.
However, as France strengthens its ties with Anglophone nations, it raises a critical question for these new partners: should they analyze the historical outcomes of French partnerships with its former colonies? The decades-long relationship, often described under the umbrella of “Françafrique,” has been widely criticized for fostering unequal economic relationships, dependency, and contributing to environmental degradation and security challenges. The current efforts by West African nations to renegotiate contracts and bolster their own defense capabilities are, for many observers, a testament to their desire to break from this legacy and write a new chapter based on genuine sovereignty and mutual respect. For France’s new partners, the lesson from the Sahel is clear: a partnership that is not fundamentally equitable risks fostering resentment and ultimately proving unsustainable.
France’s pivot to Anglophone Africa is a strategic adaptation to a changing geopolitical reality, born from the necessity of finding new allies after losing influence in its traditional sphere. While this presents opportunities for countries like South Africa and Nigeria, it also serves as a crucial moment for reflection. As African nations strive to assert their sovereignty and build relationships based on equal footing, the experiences of those who have recently broken from French influence offer a potent reminder. The path forward for France and its new partners must be paved with transparency, mutual benefit, and a genuine respect for African agency, lest history be destined to repeat itself.
- George Kimmitt
A Researcher in African affairs and international relations