FRANCE: In the context of French-African relations, President Emmanuel Macron is now grappling with the fallout of French policy failures and coups in several Francophone countries, raising questions about the effectiveness of French influence in the region.
While there was a period during the Cold War when France employed various tactics to advance its interests in Africa, official policy in the last 25 years has shifted towards democratization, cooperation, and engagement with the younger generation.
However, it’s debatable whether French influence today is as potent as it once was. Recent developments, such as Gabon’s formal entry into the Commonwealth, suggest a diminished French grip on certain nations.
Amaury Coutansais, author of “Macron’s African Trap,” even suggests that France is experiencing a “historical anachronism” in which it’s held accountable for influence it no longer possesses.
The opposition to French influence in Africa can be attributed to several factors. First, as progress is made in addressing a problem, perceptions of its seriousness tend to increase.
Second, France’s reaction to external influences, particularly from countries like Russia and China, contributes to the perception of declining French authority.
In summary, while French influence in Africa has evolved over time, recent developments and changing global dynamics have led to a more complex and contested landscape in which France’s role is being questioned and challenged.
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