Macron in Africa: A Tour Amidst French Decline

French President Emmanuel Macron embarks on a new African tour (November 20-24, 2025) spanning four key stops: Mauritius, South Africa, Gabon, and Angola. This trip is part of efforts to reposition France on the continent following a decline in its influence in recent years, particularly in areas traditionally considered vital to Paris, according to an Africa Report.

The tour reflects a growing French orientation toward English and Portuguese-speaking nations in Africa (Angola, Mauritius, South Africa).

The Breakaway Speech: Promises Unkept

• 2017 Pledge: Following his famous 2017 Ouagadougou speech, where he acknowledged "crimes of European colonialism," Macron sought to present himself as a different French president, promising to end traditional political practices with former colonies.

• Setbacks: Positive initiatives (restitution of looted heritage, declassifying Sankara's assassination archives) were quickly overshadowed by a series of statements deemed condescending and paternalistic in the African context, such as his joke about the Burkinabe President or his comment about the Comorian migrant boats, which severely undermined his credibility.

Eroding Credibility and Double Standards

• Withdrawal Under Pressure: The Sahel region witnessed a series of military coups (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) accompanied by rising popular anger against France, leading to the gradual withdrawal of French forces. Even historical allies (Chad, Senegal, Ivory Coast) called for a review or removal of the French military presence.

• Double Standards: Macron faced sharp criticism for double standards, as he strongly condemned the Sahel coups but supported a military transition in Chad after the death of Idriss Déby, sought close relations with coup leaders in Gabon, and maintained ties with long-serving presidents like Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast) and Paul Biya (Cameroon), contradicting his reformist discourse.

• Montpellier Summit Insult: The 2021 Africa/France Summit in Montpellier, held without inviting any African heads of state—instead preferring civil society representatives selected by French embassies—was widely seen as an insult in several African capitals.

New Focus and Economic Results

Macron focused on diversifying partnerships with non-Francophone countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda). This policy yielded limited economic results:

• Nigeria: Has become France’s top economic partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

• Angola: Trade has increased by 227%.

• Overall Balance: Despite a 33% growth in total trade between France and Africa (2017-2024), France's share of the continent's total trade fell from 5.5% to 3.2%, confirming the erosion of its influence and opening the door to new international powers (Russia, China, Turkey).