The diplomatic ties between France and its former African colonies have encountered another fissure following French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on January 6, 2025. In his address to the French diplomatic corps, Macron accused African leaders of “ingratitude” for France’s military interventions in the Sahel, claiming that their sovereignty hinged on French troops preventing jihadist insurgencies. This rhetoric, which many African leaders perceived as patronizing, drew sharp rebukes from Chad and Senegal, both of which recently demanded the withdrawal of French forces from their territories.
Macron’s comments, delivered at an annual conference on foreign policy, painted a picture of French military interventions in Africa as altruistic and indispensable. He asserted that African nations “forgot to thank” France for its decade-long anti-terror operations, adding ironically, “It will come in time.” This perceived condescension, coupled with claims of African leaders’ failure to acknowledge France’s role in preserving their sovereignty, was met with swift condemnation.
Chad, historically considered one of France’s staunchest allies in Africa, responded with unrestrained criticism. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno expressed his “outrage,” labeling Macron’s remarks as emblematic of an outdated, neo-colonial mindset. Chad’s foreign minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, further underscored this sentiment, calling Macron’s assertions “disrespectful” and indicative of a “contemptuous attitude toward Africa and Africans.” Koulamallah pointedly reminded France of Chad’s historical sacrifices during the two World Wars, which he claimed France had never fully acknowledged. He criticized the French presence in Chad over the past six decades as primarily serving French strategic interests rather than fostering Chadian development.
Senegal echoed similar sentiments through its Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, who dismissed Macron’s assertions as “erroneous” and reflective of a distorted view of African agency. Sonko rejected the notion that France possessed the legitimacy or capacity to ensure African security and sovereignty, accusing Paris of destabilizing the continent instead. He cited Libya’s disintegration as a glaring example of the adverse effects of French intervention.
Both Chad and Senegal have increasingly sought to assert their sovereignty by limiting French influence. In November 2024, Chad terminated its defense cooperation with France, leading to the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops and military assets. Senegal followed suit, advocating for an independent approach to security and governance free from French tutelage. These developments reflect a broader wave of anti-French sentiment across the Sahel, where France’s military operations, initiated under the banner of counterterrorism, are now widely viewed as emblematic of neo-colonial control.
Macron’s rhetoric also failed to resonate domestically, as critics within France accused him of perpetuating an antiquated worldview that undermines efforts to rebuild equitable relationships with African nations. His comments highlighted a fundamental disconnect between France’s self-perception as a benevolent actor and the growing assertiveness of African states seeking to redefine their post-colonial identities.
The backlash against Macron underscores the erosion of France’s influence in its former colonies. Once regarded as indispensable to regional stability, French military interventions are now increasingly seen as self-serving, offering little tangible benefit to local populations. This shift is emblematic of a broader realignment within Africa, as nations like Chad and Senegal actively pivot toward partnerships that emphasize mutual respect and developmental priorities over paternalistic interventionism.
At its core, the controversy surrounding Macron’s remarks reveals the lingering shadows of colonialism in Franco-African relations. By framing African sovereignty as contingent upon French military support, Macron unwittingly reignited historical grievances and reinforced perceptions of inequality. For leaders in Chad and Senegal, his comments served as a stark reminder of the need to assert African agency and challenge the narratives perpetuated by former colonial powers.
As France’s military presence in the Sahel continues to recede, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for future engagements. Genuine partnerships will require not only respect for African sovereignty but also acknowledgment of the historical sacrifices and contributions of African nations. The rebuke from Chad and Senegal is a call for France—and the global community—to abandon condescension and embrace a more equitable framework for international cooperation.
