French mistakes helped create Africa’s coup belt
Al JazeeraAUG 2023
Macron's Africa Comments Spark Controversy
Above: On Jan. 7, 2025, France's President Emmanuel Macron took part in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Islamist attacks on Charlie Hebdo and the Hypercacher Jewish supermarket in Paris. Image copyright: Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
France's military intervention in the Sahel region was crucial for maintaining sovereignty and fighting terrorism, but as the landscape has changed, so, too, must France's strategy — which is exactly why Paris is removing its troops. The withdrawal is simply a strategic reorganization, not a forced retreat.
Narrative B
France's presence in Africa has primarily served its own strategic interests without delivering lasting development benefits to local populations. The decision to end military partnerships stems from sovereign nations' independent choices, and France must learn to respect African autonomy.