https://arab.news/2uk4z
Emmanuel Macron is France’s first president who did not live through or experience the country’s colonialist past. He stated early in his first mandate a will to shift Paris’ African strategy and to break away from this past, recognizing historical mistakes and building a new relationship. This shift in strategy was not merely the result of a deep self-reflection but also a necessity to adapt to global geopolitical changes in order to stay relevant. It is a way to manage France’s decline in influence and capacity to impact African files. Thanks to stronger direct engagement from China, Russia and the US, or even India, the Francafrique has been pushed over. And it is difficult to define a new way or what comes next.
This is why last week’s visit of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby to Paris has raised the question of whether a new path is starting to emerge. This visit came following a severe rupture in relations. The positive language from both parties, referring to it as a “friendship” visit, intended to redefine the parameters of Franco-Chadian cooperation. We are yet to see the outcome but could this be a case study for France’s new African policy?
This visit came after Chad abruptly terminated its defense agreement with France in November 2024. Relations had rapidly deteriorated and the French military was forced to quickly withdraw. The Chadian decision clearly blindsided Paris. It was also a source of increased tensions beyond the closure of the French military base itself, as this was also happening elsewhere in Africa. It is worth noting that, while the two countries’ military collaboration broke down, diplomatic relations were never officially cut off.
