French President Emmanuel Macron’s harsh words for African leaders have sparked heated debates after he accused them of “ingratitude” toward France’s role in the region, particularly in the fight against terrorism. In an intense statement made during a discussion on regional developments, Macron voiced frustration over the lack of appreciation for France’s military and diplomatic support across Africa, claiming that despite years of effort, the contribution of French forces was met with disregard.
For years, French forces have been central to security operations in West Africa, particularly in countries plagued by terrorism and insurgency. However, recent developments, including the expulsion of French troops from Niger in December 2023, have tested the relationship between France and several African nations. Macron’s comments shed light on the growing rift between his government and a number of African leaders.
“I say this for all African heads of state who have not had the guts to stand up to public opinion,” Macron stated, speaking candidly about the state of relations with his African counterparts. “Being unappreciative is a disease that cannot be spread to men, but it is growing, and we must address it.”
This verbal assault on African leaders comes after a series of diplomatic setbacks for France in the Sahel region. The fallout escalated in 2023 when Niger’s military junta ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup, with the new leadership demanding that French troops leave. Macron’s public support for Bazoum and his condemnation of the coup led to a swift deterioration in relations, culminating in the expulsion of French forces from Niger.
The Breakdown of Security Alliances
Macron’s harsh remarks emphasize France’s long-standing involvement in the Sahel, where French troops have played a significant role in counterterrorism operations since 2013. Known as Operation Barkhane, the French military mission was designed to combat jihadist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which have wreaked havoc across the region. However, despite France’s efforts, many African nations have begun to reconsider their alliances with the former colonial power.
“We have fought terrorism for over a decade, and many of our soldiers have given their lives. Without the French military’s presence, these nations would not have the sovereignty they claim to protect today,” Macron asserted. “We did what was right for security, and the African nations involved knew that they asked for our help. But when the time came for us to leave, it wasn’t about gratitude—it was about political convenience.”
The French President’s frustrations seem to stem from the broader political dynamics in Africa, where growing anti-French sentiment is intertwined with nationalist movements and military coups. Following the ousting of Bazoum, the junta’s leaders in Niger argued that France’s continued presence was no longer wanted or necessary, and the French forces were ordered to leave the country. This was followed by the expulsion of French aid organizations, including the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), which provided humanitarian assistance in Niger.
The shift in policy in Niger marks just the latest chapter in a broader trend. Other nations in the Sahel, including Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso, have also shown a rising aversion to France’s military presence. In Mali, French forces were expelled in 2022, and there have been persistent calls for French troops to leave other parts of the region.
The Impact of French Departure
As Macron continues to defend France’s role in Africa, the political and security landscape in the Sahel is shifting. Niger’s expulsion of French troops follows a wave of military coups in the region, which have further complicated the situation. In the wake of these political upheavals, France’s military presence, once seen as crucial to the fight against terrorism, is increasingly viewed with suspicion by local populations and their new military leaders.
Many of these nations, led by military juntas, have voiced dissatisfaction with what they perceive as neo-imperialism by France. The new rulers, bolstered by populist sentiments, have accused France of exploiting Africa’s resources and meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. These sentiments have found fertile ground among the region’s citizens, with anti-French protests becoming a regular feature in several countries.
Despite Macron’s insistence that French forces were a stabilizing force, the growing resentment toward France points to a deeper crisis in Franco-African relations. The recent rhetoric from African leaders, rejecting the French military presence and calling for sovereignty and self-determination, illustrates the shifting power dynamics in the region.
Macron’s Dilemma: A Balancing Act
While Macron remains steadfast in his support for France’s mission, he faces mounting criticism from both the African leaders and the French public. The President’s remarks, particularly his accusations of ingratitude, reveal the complexities of France’s relationships in Africa. On one hand, Macron emphasizes France’s sacrifices in the region and the lives lost in the battle against terrorism. On the other, he grapples with the geopolitical reality that African nations are increasingly seeking autonomy from former colonial powers.
The question now is whether France can maintain its influence in Africa amid the changing political landscape. The increasing presence of Russian mercenaries, along with the shifting allegiances of African leaders, signals a new chapter in the region’s relationship with its former colonizers. While Macron insists that France will not be deterred by the current challenges, the reality of a region increasingly hostile to foreign intervention presents a significant obstacle to France’s future in Africa.
As tensions escalate and nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso continue to demand the withdrawal of French troops, the political future of France’s role in Africa remains uncertain. The diplomatic fallout between Macron and African leaders seems far from over, and with anti-French sentiment continuing to grow, it remains to be seen whether Macron’s efforts to defend France’s military presence will yield any significant results.
