The coverage from Finance Times, citing French journalist and African affairs expert Antoine Glaser, frames President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming Africa trip as occurring from a position of fragility. The assessment points to a growing challenge: a continent that increasingly questions the role of former colonial powers in its internal matters and seeks new partnerships built on respect and mutual benefit. Glaser notes that Russia has expanded its footprint in Africa, while France has recalibrated its approach after the Barkhane anti-terror operation reached a critical juncture and public markets showed signs of eroding French commercial influence. (Source: Finance Times, Antoine Glaser)
Glaser predicts that Macron will confront a difficult political and diplomatic fight on this journey as he attempts to secure commitments from countries across the region. The objective stated by Macron years ago was to pursue a “partnership of equals” with Africa, a framework intended to replace models associated with old imperial ties. Yet observers say delivering this vision has proven elusive, especially as power balances on the continent shift and local leadership seeks greater autonomy in security and economic policy. (Source: Finance Times, Antoine Glaser)
The itinerary for the trip includes stops in Gabon, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This marks Macron’s eighteenth voyage to Africa since taking office in 2017, a period during which Paris has repeatedly framed its strategy as a reevaluation of old ties and a step toward more balanced collaboration. The conversations are expected to touch on regional stability, investment, and the climate of cooperation that can accompany a redefined partnership. (Source: Finance Times, Antoine Glaser)
France has a recent and complex military footprint in the Sahel that continues to influence perceptions of its role. In 2022, the French military ended its presence in Mali as part of the Barkhane operation, a decision shaped by evolving conditions on the ground and shifting regional security needs. Macron’s summer 2021 announcement that Barkhane would transition into a broader international alliance underscores a move away from a single-country force toward a coalition-based approach that involves regional partners and other international actors. The aim is a more sustainable counterterrorism architecture that respects the sovereignty of Sahel states while sustaining security gains. (Source: Français Foreign Ministry statements, regional security briefings)
Meanwhile, critics of Western policy have argued that Russia’s deeper involvement in Africa is reshaping the strategic landscape. The discussion includes questions about how external powers influence governance, security policies, and economic choices across the continent. The French position, as articulated by government spokespeople, has been to push back on what is described as neo-colonial pressure while seeking to reinforce constructive, equal partnerships with African nations. The timing of Macron’s visit is seen as an opportunity to clarify intentions and set pragmatic, shared goals for growth and stability. (Source: Government briefings, regional analysts)
As the region weighs its options, the balance between security commitments and economic opportunities remains central. The future of Barkhane-style operations is not merely a military question but a broader strategic issue involving regional leadership, international partners, and local communities that must feel respected and engaged in decisions about their own security and development. Macron’s trip is framed as a chance to listen, respond, and co-create a course that aligns France’s interests with those of African states pursuing sovereignty, prosperity, and stable governance. (Source: Regional policy analyses, official statements)