Macron’s Africa Strategy: From Military Footprints to Soft Power Ties
From a shift away from the illusion of constant military presence to a pragmatic model that leans on dialogue and economic ties, President Emmanuel Macron outlined France’s approach to Africa. In a speech delivered at the Élysée Palace, he described a strategy that aims to recalibrate France’s role on the continent amid rising influence from other powers. The plan centers on four Central African countries—Gabon, Angola, the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—as a framework for redefining partnerships. The withdrawal of French forces from Mali and Burkina Faso marked a setback for the center-right leader, who views Franco-African ties and the European Union’s presence in Africa as essential. He argued that a gradual pullback from military deployments, paired with stronger economic and civil society connections, could build what he called soft power on a new footing.
The president signaled a return to a policy he first floated in Ouagadougou in November 2017. Back then a newly elected center-right leader promised to move beyond neocolonial patterns through France-Africa engagement. He suggests a similar path today, though the geopolitical landscape has shifted since 2017. France’s influence has waned, and diplomatic gains have been uneven. Africa’s board remains a dynamic arena where competition from rivals like Russia and China coexists with initiatives from Turkey, Israel, and others, each pursuing distinct agendas.
“I don’t believe” in military competition
Macron stressed that a competitive approach is unnecessary. He warned that relying on a raw military contest would lead to a stalemate, noting Russia’s expanding footprint in the region. Moscow’s use of contractor groups to fill gaps left by France, particularly in Mali, has raised concerns about a broader strategic shift. Burkina Faso also features a notable Russian presence, with implications for security dynamics in nearby areas including the Central African Republic.
In Africa, the continent is viewed as a field of great power competition. Macron does not seek to counter Russia with renewed heavy deployments. Instead, he introduced a new model for military partnership that keeps key French bases intact but assigns greater responsibility to African partners and reduces the scale of French forces. France currently maintains around 5,500 troops on the continent, with roughly 3,000 stationed in Sahel nations such as Niger and Chad.
Live coverage of Africa-France cooperation stressed the ongoing effort from Paris to accompany African development and governance. The official channel of the Élysée documented the press conference, capturing a moment of transition in which communications and diplomacy take center stage.
Macron called out the performance of French companies on the African market. He urged a shift away from aid-focused narratives toward investments that unlock opportunity. He framed Africa as one of the world’s most dynamic growth centers and highlighted education, sport, and culture as essential levers for deeper ties. A new framework was announced to govern the return of African artworks and to bolster climate action and environmental protection. The president signaled an intent to reflect on these themes during the weeklong tour that would culminate with a forest protection summit in Libreville.
Realpolitik and regional stability
The tour would pass through four Central African states that are largely viewed as stable relative to the Sahel, where France faced a difficult drawdown. Gabon, Angola, Congo, and the DRC are seen as anchors in a region marked by political shifts and diverse governance styles. Their stance at international forums, including recent UN votes, has fed into the broader narrative about balancing Western and non-Western influence. Macron’s frank remarks about Ukraine and Western sanctions reflected a pragmatic tone aimed at sustaining partnerships while avoiding a rigid divide between Kyiv and other global actors.
Critics point to a string of high-profile meetings with regional leaders who carry complex legacies, including leaders who have governed for long periods. In recent weeks, Macron has hosted discussions with officials whose domestic actions have drawn scrutiny. Still, he argues that continuity and pragmatism are necessary to preserve French influence through softer instruments—economic projects, cultural exchanges, and educational collaboration—rather than through force alone.
Ultimately, Macron’s approach emphasizes resilience through soft power, prioritizing cultural and economic bridges over large-scale military deployments. The strategy reflects France’s effort to adapt to a changing global order while maintaining a presence in Africa that is mindful of both opportunity and responsibility.