Is France’s influence in West Africa over?

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Chad, Ivory Coast, and Senegal have requested for the withdrawal of French troops from their territories.

Reasons behind the Withdrawal Requests:

National Sovereignty:
- Since independence, France maintained economic, political, and military influence over its former colonies through colonial pacts, known as ‘Francafrique.’
- In Senegal and Ivory Coast, French troops have been stationed as part of Operation Barkhane since 2014, while Chad’s defence pact has existed for decades.
- However, the continued presence of French military forces was perceived as a hindrance to national sovereignty.
Public Discontent with French Presence: French military efforts in West Africa, particularly against insurgent groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, have failed to quell the growing instability, causing public frustration and anti-French sentiments.
Diversifying International Relationships: Many countries in the region are exploring new alliances, with military regimes in countries like Mali and Niger seeking help from Russian mercenaries, who are seen as offering security without the “baggage” of democratic values.

Implications for African Countries:

End of France’s Longstanding Influence: The political vacuum left by France’s exit could lead to shifts in power dynamics, with countries exploring other regional or global alliances.
Continued Instability Despite the Withdrawal: The military-led governments in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have embraced Russian mercenaries, have not successfully contained insurgencies.
Formation of New Alliances: Countries such as Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast may align with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel.

About Chad:

Chad is a landlocked country is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the southwest, Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west.
Capital: N’Djamena

About Senegal:

Senegal is the westernmost country in Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline.
It borders Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest.
Capital: Dakar

Ivory Coast:

Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire a West African country bounded to the north by Mali and Burkina Faso, to the east by Ghana, to the south by the Gulf of Guinea, to the southwest by Liberia, and to the northwest by Guinea.
Capital: Yamoussoukro