How France Lost Its Influence in Africa

A decade ago, France’s military presence in Africa was at its peak, symbolized by successful operations like Serval in Mali. Fast forward to today, and France is facing a near-total withdrawal of its troops from the continent, following mounting criticism and shifting political dynamics. The erosion of French influence in Africa reflects deeper issues in its approach to the region.

The Triumph of Operation Serval

In February 2013, France launched Operation Serval to counter Islamist militants who had taken control of northern Mali. The operation was swift and effective, pushing jihadist groups out of key cities like Timbuktu and Gao. French President François Hollande was celebrated as a hero, greeted by Malians with chants of “Hollande the Savior” during his visit to Timbuktu.

The success of Serval earned praise not only in Africa but globally. At the time, France had deployed 8,000 troops across the continent, with 5,000 involved in Serval. Much of this force came from pre-positioned units in the region, highlighting the strategic importance of France’s military presence in Africa. A 2013 parliamentary report lauded the rapid response enabled by these deployments. However, this high point for French-African relations would not last.

The Decline Begins

Over time, France’s extended military presence began to foster resentment. By 2022, French forces had been forced to withdraw from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as local governments severed ties with Paris. In 2024, Chad and Senegal followed suit, demanding the removal of French troops from their territories. What was once a robust network of military bases had dwindled to small outposts in Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Djibouti.

The shift was not unforeseen. A general who participated in Serval once remarked that foreign armies, no matter their intentions, are often perceived as occupiers over time. This sentiment became a reality as France’s military engagements extended without clear timelines or tangible results, particularly under Operation Barkhane, Serval’s successor.

Strategic Missteps and Rising Criticism

France’s failure to set clear objectives and deadlines for Serval and Barkhane contributed to its eventual downfall in the region. Initially launched to combat terrorism, these operations evolved into open-ended commitments, with vague goals tied to regional stability and migration control. While the French military viewed these missions as essential for training and maintaining its operational readiness, local populations increasingly saw them as emblematic of foreign interference.

Criticism mounted as France was accused of supporting corrupt governments, such as Mali’s leadership under Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Attempts to “Europeanize” the intervention through initiatives like the Takuba Task Force failed to shift perceptions. Instead, anti-French sentiment grew, fueled by disinformation campaigns and frustration over the prolonged conflict.

The Fallout from Barkhane

The inability of Operation Barkhane to deliver decisive victories against jihadist groups further eroded France’s credibility. Despite concentrating efforts in the tri-border area of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, French forces struggled to contain the insurgency. This apparent disconnect between France’s military might and its limited success on the ground led many to question its true intentions, fostering conspiracy theories and resentment.

By 2020, anti-French sentiment reached a tipping point with the rise of nationalist movements and military coups in Mali and neighboring countries. These new regimes openly criticized France’s role, opting instead to align with other powers, such as Russia, through its Wagner Group mercenaries. France’s attempts to reframe its mission and retain influence in Niger ultimately failed, culminating in the official end of Barkhane.

Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics

France’s diminished role in Africa has created opportunities for other powers. The U.S., China, and even Japan have expanded their presence on the continent, while Russian mercenaries have filled the security void in the Sahel. For African nations, the shift reflects a broader desire to assert sovereignty and diversify partnerships.

In Senegal, this sentiment culminated in the 2024 presidential victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a candidate from the nationalist Pastef party. One of his first acts as president was to request the withdrawal of French troops, a move mirrored by Chad on the same day. This wave of nationalist rhetoric highlights the growing rejection of France’s military footprint in Africa.

The Path Forward

France’s legacy in Africa is now at a crossroads. Its reliance on military interventions has proven unsustainable, as it failed to address the political and economic roots of instability. If Paris hopes to regain influence on the continent, it must pivot away from its uniformed approach and rebuild relationships based on mutual respect and collaboration.

The lesson is clear: sovereignty and self-determination are central to Africa’s future. France’s ability to adapt to this reality will determine whether it can remain a relevant player in the region or fade into the background of its former colonies’ evolving narratives.