Chad and Senegal, after securing the withdrawal of French military bases, expressed outrage at French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks.
France was “right” to intervene militarily in the Sahel “against terrorism since 2013,” but African leaders “forgot to thank us,” President Macron said on January 6, asserting that “none of them” would be managing a sovereign country without this intervention. Addressing the annual meeting of French ambassadors, he added dismissively, “It’s no big deal, they’ll come around in time.”
Senegal and Chad Lead Pushback Against French President’s Remarks
Following these comments, Ousmane Sonko, the Prime Minister of Senegal, was among the first to respond firmly. He stressed that the notion that the departure of French bases was the result of negotiations between France and African nations is “completely erroneous.” According to Sonko, Senegal’s decision to terminate French military presence on its territory was a manifestation of the nation’s sovereign will, which it possesses as a free, independent entity with the ability to make its own decisions.
The anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane, which ended in November 2022, was a component of the former colonial power’s deployment of more than 5,000 troops in the Sahel.
Sonko clarified that Senegal made this decision without consulting or negotiating with France. Additionally, he contended that France was incapable of guaranteeing the security and sovereignty of Africa due to its lack of legitimacy and capacity. “On the contrary, France has often destabilized African nations, such as Libya, with devastating consequences for the stability and security of the Sahel,” he added.
Sonko also emphasized the critical role of African soldiers, who were frequently compelled to battle in World War II to protect France. He contended that France may still be under German authority today if these African soldiers were not present.
The Chadian government too promptly voiced its dissatisfaction with Macron’s remarks. Chad emphasized the necessity for France to honor the African people and their sacrifices in an official statement. The statement underscored the critical role of Africa, particularly Chad, in the liberation of France during both World Wars. This contribution is frequently disregarded or minimized by French authorities.
Chad maintained that the advancement of its military was not the result of French endeavors, but rather of the sacrifices of the Chadian populace. “France has never truly contributed to building our army. Our strength lies in the courage of our people and the sacrifices made despite limited resources,” said Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah. The position of Chad underscored France’s failure to acknowledge the autonomy and sovereignty of African nations and advocated for a change in the dynamic of Franco-African relations.
Koulamallah further stated that Chad, like numerous other African nations, strives for genuine sovereignty that is unencumbered by external interference.
“The Chadian people aspire to full sovereignty, true independence, and the construction of a strong and autonomous state,” the minister said.
Chad’s termination of its military agreement with Paris on November 28 was particularly significant, as it marked the end of 60 years of military cooperation since the end of French colonization. Following this decision, French military withdrawal operations commenced in December.
Approximately 1,000 soldiers primarily stationed at Camp Kossei in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, served as France’s last foothold in the Sahel. French troops and fighter aircraft have been almost continuously stationed in Chad since its independence in 1960, providing training and assistance to the Chadian military.
Historical Shift: Seven Former French Colonies Demand Military Withdrawal
The new dynamic in the relationship between France and its former colonies is emphasized by Macron’s statements and the subsequent reactions. Africa is expressing its desire to redefine its relationship with France on an equal footing, free from the influences and interference of the colonial era, as it becomes more cognizant of its right to self-determination.
The issue of sovereignty remains at the forefront of the conversation as French military bases progressively depart the continent. Through their actions, Senegal and Chad are demonstrating their independence while reminding France to respect their sovereign decisions. This could signal the commencement of a new era in international relations, in which Africa no longer submits its decisions to the interests of former colonial powers.
French Military Presence in Africa Reduces to Two Bases as Colonial Era Influence Wanes
Four former French colonies—Niger, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Burkina Faso—also demanded the withdrawal of French forces from their territories and positioned themselves more closely with Moscow between 2022 and 2023. Following this trend, Côte d’Ivoire announced on December 31 that French troops would withdraw from its territory, echoing similar decisions made by Chad and Senegal.
These widespread moves to end French military presence across the continent represent a continuation of the withdrawal process that began with Mali in 2022. This significant change highlights a growing desire for independence and sovereignty among African nations, marking a turning point in Franco-African relations. As a result, French military presence in Africa will now be limited to just two facilities in Gabon and Djibouti.