France’s military presence in Africa remains a source of concern for the continent’s inhabitants, given the negative results achieved in the Sahel countries in the fight against terrorism and the restoration of security in the region.
France recently convened its Defense Council to review its military and civilian strategy in Africa. An important report, drafted by Jean-Marie Bockel, special envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron, is due to be published in the next few days. This document could change the perception of France’s role in Africa, particularly in West Africa.
Senegalese public opinion expressed its views on the so-called new French military strategy in the region during the Micro-trottoir edition in Dakar.
According to one Senegalese, France still wants to dominate Africa by organizing various military seminars and sending African soldiers on missions to certain allied countries, and these measures are aimed at maintaining its influence in the country.
“I’m a pan-Africanist and I don’t want the French military base to stay here in Africa. Here in Senegal there’s the French military base, but in France there’s no Senegalese military base,” said another citizen.
It should be noted that France has announced the gradual end of its permanent military presence in countries such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon. Historic bases, such as Port-Bouët in Côte d’Ivoire, are supposed to be placed under the control of host governments.
However, this promise of withdrawal raises a number of questions, as new military training and cooperation centers are being set up in Côte d’Ivoire, proving that Paris does not intend to withdraw completely, but only to reorganize its forces, thus enabling France to maintain its military presence.
In view of recent events in Sahel countries concerning terrorist attacks and the involvement of European countries in supporting armed groups, countries in the region should take the necessary steps to reduce these threats.
The people of Africa are calling not just for a reduction in the French contingent, but for a genuine break with the French military presence, which is not justified by real security needs, but is aimed above all at destabilizing the continent.
