France has witnessed a series of repeated commitments in Africa, particularly the region of the West, It withdrew its forces in many of these countries, but soon again, It takes the gateway to investment, the economy and the diversification of companies as its input, and it takes advantage of the relative decline of American influence. As Russia’s activities and incursions in the region have increased, Paris has found the opportunity to regenerate on the brunette continent. This was reflected in the military reinforcements with Côte d’Ivoire and the attempt to establish their presence in the Libyan scene; to take a gateway towards Africa and to balance Turkish and Russian influence, as the two States in Libya see an extension of their regional influence.
French military cooperation agreement with Côte d’Ivoire:
To complement the efforts of the military partnership between France and Côte d’Ivoire, military exercises were launched in the south-western region of San Pedro on 9 March 2025 and are scheduled to continue until 13 that same month and, according to the Ministry of Defence of Côte d’Ivoire, these exercises aim to upgrade the combat readiness of the armed forces by simulating amphibious landings and counter-attacks, as well as safeguarding coastal areas from terrorist attacks and maritime infiltration and these exercises are part of a long-term training programme between the French and Ivorian armies.
Common objectives:
In the light of the military decline in Paris following its withdrawal from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, it found that the strengthening of its military relations with African States, which continue to have strong relations such as Côte d’Ivoire, ensures that it will, by its perception, achieve its regional stability and strategic interests and become part of the security equation in the region; Its training in Abidjan therefore reflects its new strategy and military return plan to Africa.[1]
Delivery of the French military base to Abidjan:
The military cooperation agreement between the Ivorian and French sides preceded the latter’s handover of the Port Bowie military base near Abidjan last February 20 in the presence of French Defence Minister Sebastian Lukorno and his Ivorian counterpart Tini Ibrahima Ouattara, The parties signed a document formally ending the French presence at al-Qa ‘idah, but Locorno indicated that Paris would not leave Abidjan once and for all. 80 troops will remain at al-Qa ‘idah, when Ouattara confirmed continued cooperation between the two countries in a military capacity, France would remain a partner in the areas of military training, intelligence and counter-terrorism.[2]
In view of the estimates of this position, it is noted that Macron sought to change the former colonial strategy, where direct military intervention, training portal and military support to counter terrorism and threats affecting the State of Côte d ‘ This demonstrates the stated objectives of supporting the State’s security, but in fact there are deep-rooted objectives of restoring the French presence on the African continent.
Attempts to acquire a military base in the southern Libyan Arab Jamahiriya:
After losing its positions in Mali, Chad and other African regions, Paris sought to find a foothold in Libya; It is therefore trying to be at the “Waig air base” in the far south of Libya on the border with Chad and the Niger[3]; To balance Russian influence in the region, on the one hand, and on the other hand, to be located at the southern entrance to Africa, to facilitate the French penetration of the region and to spread its reinforcements, under the pretext of combating terrorism and criminal activities, and possibly to reposition it in the Sahelo-Saharan States and restore its declining influence in the ECOWAS AS Group.
Macron intervened to release Nigerian opponent:
During a visit by Marshal Khalifa Haftar to France last February 26 President Macron intervened to request the release of Niger’s opposition leader Mahmoud Salah and not to extradite him to the military junta in Niamey, This was the case for Haftar, who founded the National Liberation Front (NLF), which included combatants from different groups, some of whom were supporters of the former regime and others from dissident groups of the army. FMLN has been able to carry out numerous military operations against uniformed forces.
According to reports, Mahmoud was planning to reorganize in Tripoli; Taking advantage of the country’s security chaos, Macron’s mediation for his release suggests that it could be a winning card for the Élysée, through which it could penetrate the African interior through the Niger, and colluding to create a security vacuum that would benefit Paris to enter aggressively, namely, employ a policy “Divide and conquer”, and may rearrange paperwork and incite this opposition to turn on power in Niamey, possibly enabling it to gain access to power thereafter; to adapt and employ it to achieve its objectives towards a new start in Africa.
Important connotations:
The Elysee’s attempts to restore his colonial empire come at a time of American decline on the continent cessation of humanitarian assistance to many countries and provision of conditional services in the sense of supporting and enhancing security and stability vis-à-vis the minerals agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo s minerals for assistance in training and equipping the Congolese armed forces.
Does France regain its influence again in Africa?
Track 1
Military return scenario: Paris’ current developments move towards military return scheme in accordance with Macron’s new strategy in Africa and the review of its previous colonial policy, fuelled by the desire to cooperate with some African States, particularly those experiencing security tensions and terrorist attacks, It depends on the French forces to ensure security and deter these extremist movements. While France has demonstrated a decline in its policy in the region, it has achieved remarkable successes in this field, a scenario that is highly likely under current data.
Track 2
Conditional return scenario: France may be able to regain its influence, but perhaps from the gateway to the economy and investment and forge partnerships with new African countries other than where it has failed, especially since African peoples have become more aware than before, calling for liberation and disobedience to any colonial power that exploits their country’s resources and capabilities, without providing concrete assistance, and this scenario is relatively likely to be realized.
Track 3
Recession scenario: Paris’ attempts to return to Africa may fail again In particular, as it is no longer an acceptable partner in most countries of the continent, With the escalation of other international forces being replaced by Russia, Turkey and others, In particular, if these forces are able to achieve tangible successes that will satisfy the African street but this hypothesis is somewhat excluded under Macron’s insistence on restoring his country’s influence and a strong presence on the continent; to become part of the region’s circle of international interactions.
In conclusion:
At a time when Africa is witnessing the reshaping of the international influence map Paris has risen to return to the continent and restore its military shield, This may be helped by the relative decline of the American presence on the continent. In the coming period, the Élysée should intensify its endeavours to strengthen cooperation with various African States, Taking advantage of past experiences and diversifying partners, military returns may be stalled and limited to economic partnership only.
References:
[1] فرنسا وكوت ديفوار تعززان التعاون العسكري عبر مناورات واسعة، الجزيرة، ١١ مارس ٢٠٢٥، متاح على الرابط الآتي: https://n9.cl/rn2v2b
[2] فرنسا تسلم قاعدة عسكرية في ساحل العاج للسلطات المحلية، ار تي، ٢٠ فبراير ٢٠٢٥، متاح على الرابط الآتي: https://n9.cl/smqf67
[3] فرنسا – ليبيا: ما هي أبرز محاور لقاء ماكرون وحفتر في باريس؟، فرنسا ٢٤، ٢٧ فبراير ٢٠٢٥، متاح على الرابط الآتي: https://n9.cl/coset
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