France's President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 20, 2026. The central question, ultimately, is no longer whether France can regain its old grip. It is whether Africa will allow the old relationship to return, writes Savious Kwinika.
Why does France want to retain or regain influence across Africa even as a growing number of former colonies challenge its military presence, political influence and economic arrangements?
According to two prominent Pan-African voices interviewed exclusively by CAJ News Africa, the answer lies in the enormous strategic, economic and geopolitical value of Africa — from its mineral wealth and markets to its military positioning and political influence — which France accumulated during colonial rule and subsequently sought to preserve through post-independence relationships.
The question has become increasingly pertinent following the expulsion of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and Senegal's decision to end France's permanent military presence.
The three AES countries have also strengthened relations with Russia while seeking greater control over their resources and economic affairs.
