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
Sources to Al Mayadeen: Extending the snapback mechanism deadline will test how independent Europeans truly are from the US.
Sources to Al Mayadeen: Activating the snapback mechanism will nullify the Cairo Agreement, shut the door on cooperation between the IAEA and Tehran, and bar inspections.
Sources to Al Mayadeen: The diplomatic window remains open, but signs of activating the snapback sanctions mechanism on Iran are increasing.
Sources to Al Mayadeen: Although the Cairo Agreement meets an important part of European demands, they have begun speaking of new conditions in recent communications.
Sources to Al Mayadeen: European countries show no independence in their stance toward Iran during the talks.
Israeli occupation forces issued bombing threats to bomb civilian buildings in Southern Lebanon.
Israeli media: Person behind shooting operation at Allenby Crossing is a Jordanian Army soldier.
Israeli media citing Emergency Services: Both wounded in Allenby shooting operation now dead.
Israeli media: One soldier wounded at Allenby crossing now confirmed killed.
Israeli media: Preliminary reports of shooting operation at Allenby crossing with Jordan.

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

Africa leads world tourism growth in early 2025, UN reports

Will the idea of pan-Africanism survive migration, economic crises?

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

Why is Choose Love using a firm with British and US intelligence connections to run a pro-Palestine musical event? (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)

Together for Palestine: Troubling questions about the organisers of this huge event

  • Opinion
  • 17 Sep 2025
Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza.

Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza

  • Politics
  • 12 Sep 2025
A screengrab from the ad played on Fox News. (X Screengrab)

Fox airs ad warning Trump not to let Netanyahu 'play' him on Gaza

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

  • Palestine
  • 14 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A Hezbollah supporter who lost his sight in a pager attack carried out by "Israel" on Sept. 17, 2024, covers his eyes with a red headband inscribed with the name "Hussein" during Ashoura, July 6, 2025 (AP)
Politics

'We Have Recovered': Lebanon marks 1st anniversary of Pager Attack

The Arab neighborhood of El Za'im, on the outskirts of east Occupied Al-Quds in the West Bank, near where Israeli government says housing units will be built as part of the E1 settlement project, Thursday, August 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Palestine

'Israel’s' deliberate policies drive West Bank economy toward collapse

Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Politics

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns over parent company curbing activism

Trump’s approval rating falls to new low in second term: Poll
US & Canada

Trump’s approval rating falls to new low in second term: Poll

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