Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
A seismic shift is underway in Africa as several nations, once firmly within France’s sphere of influence, decisively sever military ties with their former coloniser. This wave of expulsions, dubbed the “African Frexit,” signals a profound rejection of France’s long-standing policies and a move toward forging new partnerships with global players.
The years 2024 and early 2025 have witnessed a cascade of announcements from African leaders, culminating in the closure of French military bases in Chad, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. These developments follow earlier withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military-led governments dismantled defence agreements with Paris and sought closer alliances within the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This trend reflects an overarching continental shift towards sovereignty, self-reliance, and diversified international engagements.
Chad’s Decisive Break: A Pivotal Realignment
Chad’s termination of its 2019 defence agreement with France, finalised with the handover of the Adji Kossei military base in N’Djamena in January 2025, marks a significant turning point. This move was preceded by Chad’s rejection of a U.S. military presence, signalling a departure from its historically pro-Western stance. The meeting between President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin further fuelled speculation about Chad’s pivot toward alternative strategic alliances, particularly with Moscow. This shift underscores a broader African trend of diversifying military and diplomatic partnerships beyond traditional Western influences.
Senegal’s Assertion of Sovereignty: A Nationalist Reawakening
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s declaration that French military bases are “incompatible with Senegal’s sovereignty” encapsulates the growing anti-French sentiment sweeping across Africa. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s subsequent announcement of the closure of all foreign military bases, coupled with the establishment of a joint commission to oversee the withdrawal of French troops, solidified Senegal’s commitment to self-determination. Additionally, Senegal’s demand that France acknowledge its role in the 1944 Thiaroye massacre reflects a broader call for historical accountability and reparations for colonial-era injustices.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Strategic Shift: Investing in Domestic Defense
The handover of Côte d’Ivoire’s sole French military base in Port-Bouet, Abidjan, marks another milestone in this evolving geopolitical landscape. President Alassane Ouattara’s emphasis on bolstering the country’s own defence capabilities signals a broader continental trend of African nations investing in indigenous security forces rather than relying on former colonial powers. This move aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader vision of national sovereignty and long-term security sustainability.
The “African Frexit” Phenomenon: A Continent Redefining Itself
The widespread support for these decisions reflects deep-seated public frustration with France’s continued military presence, particularly given the persistence of terrorist threats despite years of French-led counterterrorism operations. The rise of armed insurgencies in the Sahel and West Africa, coupled with the perceived inefficacy of France’s military strategy, has led regional authorities to seek alternative security arrangements. Moreover, the African street has become increasingly vocal, with civil society and grassroots movements pushing for an end to what many see as neocolonial entanglements.
France’s Response and Evolving Strategy
French President Emmanuel Macron’s accusations of ingratitude and his assertion that France’s presence was at the request of sovereign states have been met with strong condemnation from African leaders. The historical context of African contributions to France during both World Wars has been invoked, highlighting the perceived imbalance in historical narratives and power dynamics.
Facing diminishing influence, France appears to be recalibrating its strategy, with a particular focus on Mauritania. The recent delivery of advanced military equipment to Nouakchott signals a potential shift in France’s regional priorities as it seeks to maintain a foothold in Africa amid waning influence elsewhere.
More from Africa News 24
South Africa edge France in breathtaking Rugby World Cup match for the ages
The Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: A Multipolar Africa
The “African Frexit” reflects a broader realignment of global power dynamics. Increasingly, African nations are forging partnerships with a diverse set of actors, including Russia, Türkiye, China, India, and the UAE, challenging the historical dominance of Western powers. This multipolar approach is reshaping Africa’s geopolitical landscape, providing nations with greater autonomy and negotiating leverage in global affairs.
The Remaining Outposts: French Military Presence on Borrowed Time?
As French forces exit key African nations, Djibouti and Gabon remain the last bastions of France’s military presence on the continent. However, even in these countries, calls for reduced foreign influence are gaining traction. Djibouti’s strategic location, housing multiple international military bases, presents a complex case, while Gabon’s deep-rooted historical ties with France are increasingly being scrutinised by nationalist voices.
A Watershed Moment for Africa’s Sovereignty
The departure of French forces from several African nations signifies a watershed moment in the continent’s post-colonial trajectory. It underscores the growing assertiveness of African states in shaping their own destinies, asserting sovereignty, and forging new alliances in a multipolar world. As Africa charts a future less tethered to its colonial past, the global community watches closely, recognising the dawn of a new era in African geopolitics.
