6 African countries that have rejected France’ military presence

For decades, French military bases in Africa were seen as cornerstones of strategic partnerships, granting France influence far beyond its borders.

With over 2,000 troops stationed across Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, and Senegal, and Djibouti, Paris had heavily relied on these agreements to maintain its geopolitical foothold.

But today, these arrangements are facing unprecedented scrutiny from African leaders and citizens.

The wave of expulsions of French influence from former colonies in Africa reflects a deep-seated shift in geopolitics, nationalism, and a growing rejection of what is perceived as neocolonialism.

According to Reuters, the recent decision to withdraw French troops from Burkina Faso marks a significant decline in France’s historical and colonial influence in West and Central Africa.

Following the expulsion of several French bases in Africa, military juntas have increasingly turned to Russia for support, with Russian mercenaries deployed across the Sahel region.

Bismarck Analysis reports that local military commanders have used the power vacuum created by French pullback to overthrow their civilian leaders. The report further noted the interest of other major players like the United States and, surprisingly, Russia in Africa.

This phenomenon, particularly visible in West and Central Africa, is fueled by a combination of historical grievances, contemporary dissatisfaction, and the emergence of new geopolitical players.

The Africa Report highlights that while France’s withdrawal from countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger was expected to empower local governments and strengthen democratic processes, the outcome has been more complicated.

Instead of fostering democracy, the retreat, fueled by nationalist sentiment, anti-colonial rhetoric, and political shifts across the continent, has often led to its decline.

According to Le monde, following months of intense discussions and diplomatic interactions, the French president, Emmanuel Macron finally decided on the future of French bases on the West African coast.

Below are African countries that have either expelled the France govt in totality or ended their defense contracts with France.

In 2023, Niger’s military junta banned the French aid group Acted and the local NGO Niger’s Action for Well-Being, revoking their licenses without explanation. They also expelled France’s ambassador, further straining ties with France.

French authorities dismissed the junta’s authority to enforce such decisions, intensifying tensions amidst political upheaval.

Chad has ended its defense cooperation agreement with France, aiming to assert sovereignty and realign international partnerships.

Described as a historic shift by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah, the move comes over 60 years after independence. Chad emphasized maintaining ties with France in mutually beneficial areas despite the redefined alliance

On August 30, 2023, Gabon’s military seized power, detaining President Ali Bongo Ondimba at his palace shortly after the election commission declared him re-elected for a third term. General Brice Oligui Nguema was later named chairman of the transitional government.

In September, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the suspension of military cooperation with Gabon’s new regime following the coup.

France’s alliance with Mali against insurgents unraveled after two military coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta’s reluctance to set a civilian rule timeline and accusations of French interference strained relations.

By early 2022, Mali expelled France’s ambassador, prompting France to withdraw its troops and the Takuba force, ending their partnership.

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently called for the closure of French military bases in the country, linking the move to Senegal’s sovereignty.

Speaking ahead of the 80th anniversary of the 1944 colonial massacre of Senegalese soldiers, Faye acknowledged French President Emmanuel Macron’s admission of France’s responsibility for the atrocity.

While praising this acknowledgment, Faye argued that the presence of French bases contradicts Senegal’s independence and sovereignty, emphasizing that a truly sovereign nation should not host foreign military installations.

After France’s 4,500-strong Operation Barkhane force withdrew from Mali in August 2022, French troops also exited Burkina Faso in February 2023.

The 400-member Operation Sabre, deployed in 2009 to fight armed groups like al-Qaeda in the region, quietly left after Burkina Faso’s military-led government called for their departure in January, setting a four-week withdrawal deadline.