The world today is going through a series of unprecedented turmoil-from health to political and economic crises. As the pandemic – inflicted economic pains started receding, the West finds itself drawn into a confrontation with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Against this background, Emmanuel Macron’s re-election in the French Presidential election acquires a new dimension for French-Africa ties. How should France’s president navigate new geopolitical developments and keep his commitments to Africa?
Five years ago when he came to power, Macron made momentous efforts to reshape the France–Africa relationship but yielded limited results. The lessons from these efforts can form a basis to script a new narrative for a more effective engagement with Africa.
During the previous term of Macron, from 2017-2022, Africa occupied a central place in his foreign policy. This was based on the perception that several global challenges faced by Africa such as climate change, demography, terrorism, health and so on had direct repercussions on France. His various positive announcements, though not translated into tangible results, tried to echo the change in tone of France, from a former colonial power to that of equal partners. Nevertheless, this change in tone was perceived as condescending and received with some scepticism, especially in former colonies.
However, the reform initiated in France’s bilateral development cooperation in August 2021 with a sharper focus on African countries, to reach 0.7% ODA/GNI by 2025 was largely welcomed. To revive France’s falling trade and investment in the continent, Macron reached out to Africa with his economic diplomacy embracing Anglophone and other countries supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs in Africa.
In the conflict ridden Sahel region, Macron’s 3D approach of defence, development, and diplomacy proved to be flawed. The recent announcement of the withdrawal of French and European forces from Mali after a breakdown in the relationship with the military government was a major setback.
Political experts are of the view that a number of lessons emerge from Macron’s earlier strategy of engagement with Africa. To establish a mutually beneficial partnership, they advocate a coherent strategy that recognises different models of engagement at the continental, regional, and bilateral levels.
Moreover, the bilateral partnerships should be guided by not only French priorities but also African inclinations, a clear assumption about mutual benefits, and where France can add value. Collaborating with regional partners like the EU and multilateral organisations will have a far reaching impact if it has a clear game plan.
In the area of security and governance, Macron has to step back and take a careful look at France’s inconsistent policies that has led to an erosion of France’s influence in countries such as Mali and the Central African Republic. Paying lip service to democracy while supporting undemocratic leaders for specific benefits has ruined its image leading to a growing anti-French feeling.
A recent study by The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) , a global think tank, has highlighted some pertinent areas to help to transform the French-African relations into a successful partnership. These include increasing French investment to build Africa’s climate and energy resilience, infrastructure, enhancing financial assistance from International Financial Institutions for Africa and pushing the EU to deliver its Africa agenda. After Brexit, Paris has a bigger role to play in EU-Africa relations.
Macron faces an uphill task. Only a visionary strategy can reverse the anti-French sentiment and restore Africa’s confidence in its engagement with France. According to statistics, one in 20 of the French population is of African origin. No leader can afford to ignore this vote Bank. The implementation of a visionary Africa strategy will be the true test of his success.
