Watan–Africa is shedding its French influence, as Senegal and Chad officially announced the end of French military presence on their territories, joining countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso that preceded them in taking this step. These moves come as part of a growing African awakening aimed at reclaiming full sovereignty over resources and lands after decades of French exploitation of the African continent.
In Senegal, the government decided to terminate the defense agreement with Paris, demanding the French forces leave as soon as possible. In Chad, authorities informed the French that they no longer needed their military presence, accusing Paris of failing to fulfill its security and economic commitments to the country. These decisions came amid a popular wave opposing foreign presence in Africa, where citizens view the French armies as mere tools to protect French interests rather than to ensure the security of African nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron did not hide his anger over these developments, delivering a speech in which he criticized what he described as the “ingratitude” of African leaders who decided to end military cooperation with France. He claimed that the French military’s intervention in the region was responsible for protecting many regimes from falling into the hands of armed groups. However, these statements were met with strong reactions from African leaders, who told Macron that his country owes much to the continent and that France itself might not have survived the German occupation during World War II without the sacrifices of African soldiers.
The departure of French forces has paved the way for other powers, such as Russia, which has strengthened its presence in Africa by providing military and economic support to regional countries.
In this context, the continent has witnessed significant geopolitical shifts, with some countries turning to sign new security agreements with Moscow in search of a partner more committed to their national interests.
The French withdrawal from Africa was not merely a military pullout but an implicit acknowledgment of the end of a long era of colonial influence and the beginning of a new age in which African nations strive to shape their policies away from foreign interventions. The question now arises: Will Africa be able to build an independent security and economic system, or will it find itself in the grip of new influences governed by other powers?
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