Sahel Shift: France’s Evolving Role in African Relations

French and American soldiers participate in artillery drills in Africa; France’s military presence in Africa has recently become a point of contention. (Wikimedia Commons)

President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 24 that France will gradually withdraw its 1,500 soldiers from Niger by the end of 2023. Signaling a conclusion to France’s political and military assertions within West Africa’s Sahel region, the statement reinforces Macron’s previous commitment to a contemporary military relationship with African nations. French proposals prior to Macron’s announcement focused on combating terrorism in conjunction with local governments, attempting to counteract neo-colonialist undertones.

Until this point, Macron had taken a distinctly defiant stance against the junta leaders in Niger, who seized power through a military coup in late July. The coup ousted Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, prompting Western states to suspend aid and security partnerships with Niger, which is currently categorized by the United Nations as a Least Developed Country. 

Demanding that Macron remove counterterrorism troops stationed in Nigeria, coup leaders have echoed claims that France’s presence in Africa has become unproductive. After Macron’s announcement, Nigeria’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland praised the decision as a “historical moment” for the nation. In an interview with the TF1 and France 2 television channels, Macron said France is “not here to take part in political affairs, to be hostages, in a way, of the putschists,” and asserted his intentions to coordinate with authorities in Niger to ensure French troops’ “orderly” departure.

Military withdrawal embodies national fears concerning France’s loss of its status as a global power. Military presence in the Sahel symbolized French hard power, playing into its nationalistic self-perception as a great global power. Growing concern over this issue has prompted President Macron to promise opposition parties a public debate with lawmakers regarding policy in the Sahel. Debates could occur as early as November.

Regardless, France's Sahel withdrawal serves as a focal point for examining Western states’ evolving role in contemporary African affairs, with significant implications surrounding regional security, humanitarian efforts, and diplomatic strategies in the coming years. Additionally, French withdrawal also potentially interrupts U.S. efforts to find diplomatic solutions to resolve Niger’s political crisis.