Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: Gaza's hospitals recorded six deaths due to starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, all of them adults
Informed sources to Al Mayadeen: A new chapter in relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency will begin within the framework of the new law passed by Parliament

The demise of Françafrique: Libération

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Libération
  • 7 Aug 2023 14:22
3 Min Read

In a report for Libération, Serge July explains the factors contributing to the downfall of the neocolonial relationship between France and Africa.

  • x
  • Supporters of Captain Ibrahim Traore protest against France and ECOWAS in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 4, 2022 (AP)
    Supporters of Captain Ibrahim Traore protest against France and ECOWAS in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 4, 2022 (AP)

The concept of Françafrique was introduced in the Gaullist "decolonization" era as an alternative to the preceding era of direct colonialism.

In a report for Libération, Serge July explains that Françafrique describes the neocolonial relationship between France and its former African colonies.

This system which was legitimized under the guise of "decolonization" allowed France to exploit its former colonies while granting them the facade of autonomy.

France's Waning Influence

The writer argues that the neocolonial arrangements that once boosted French influence in Africa are facing challenges.

Over the past decades, China has emerged as a formidable economic force in Africa, eclipsing France, the United Kingdom, and the United States combined. This shift in economic power has led to France's commercial marginalization in the continent, forcing a reevaluation of its role and approach to Franco-African relations.

Related News

West seeks to divide and conquer Africa: Liberation Movements Summit

ISIS-backed AFD kill at least 21 in church bombing in eastern Congo

Read more: Algeria rejects military intervention in Niger, says President

One of the most contentious issues in the relationship between France and some African states is the use of the CFA franc ( Communauté Financière Africaine).

Fourteen African countries continue to use this currency, which requires them to deposit hard reserves with the French Treasury. Critics argue that this arrangement perpetuates elements of colonial control, as these states are deprived of their monetary sovereignty. The push for economic autonomy is fueling calls for rethinking the entire monetary framework. 

Militant Hotbeds in the Sahel 

Amid the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region and the rise of terrorist hotbeds, French military presence in the region are facing challenges.

Following a November 2019 French helicopter crash in Mali that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers, Macron overreacted and urged West African leaders to make an immediate flight to France. Conversations about the traces of colonialism frequently bring up memories of these incidents. Anything that reminds people of colonial practices is detrimental to African public opinion.

Read more: Niger braces for ECOWAS deadline; no signs of giving in to threats

Moreover, recent events, such as the military coup in Niger, are sparking discussions about a possible shift in public sentiment toward French presence in Africa.

While coups and protests may have immediate reasons, they are framed in the broader context of the rejection of the historical ties between France and its former African colonies. The legitimacy and support for French involvement are under question, and African populations are demanding greater autonomy and agency in shaping their futures.

Read more: Niger junta revokes military deals with France

  • Africa
  • France
  • Colonialism
  • neo-colonialism

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS