French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments about African nations’ lack of gratitude for France’s military interventions in the Sahel have sparked widespread condemnation across the continent. Speaking to French ambassadors on 6 January, Macron described the absence of thanks as “ingratitude,” claiming that without France’s counterterrorism operations, many Sahelian countries would not exist as sovereign states.
“I’m not worried, gratitude will come with time,” Macron remarked, dismissing the backlash from African leaders. However, his words quickly drew sharp criticism, being perceived as both tone-deaf and patronizing by several African governments.
In Chad, President Mahamat Déby Itno expressed his “indignation” over Macron’s comments, calling them “borderline contemptuous” and accusing the French leader of being “stuck in the wrong era.” Chad recently decided to terminate its long-standing defense agreement with France, demanding the withdrawal of all French troops by the end of January, signaling the end of a 60-year military relationship. The decision followed a reduction in French military presence in the region, with only 1,000 troops remaining in Chad, down from 5,000 at the height of Operation Barkhane.
Déby was quick to clarify that Chad’s decision to sever ties was entirely sovereign, dismissing Macron’s suggestion that it was a collaborative effort between France and its African partners. “There’s no ambiguity,” he affirmed.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also refuted Macron’s statements, calling them “completely erroneous” and accusing France of lacking the “capacity and legitimacy” to ensure the security and sovereignty of African nations. Sonko invoked the sacrifices of African soldiers during World War II, many of whom were forcibly conscripted by France. “If African soldiers had not fought to defend France, it would perhaps still be German today,” he remarked.
Senegalese media quickly latched onto the controversy, with L’Observateur praising Sonko for “bringing Macron back into line.”
The fallout from Macron’s remarks has been swift, with social media users across Africa condemning his comments as “paternalistic” and “neocolonial.” Many referenced the CFA Franc, a currency used by several African countries, and accused France of exploiting Africa for financial gain.
In France, Macron’s remarks were met with criticism from the left-wing political faction France Unbowed (LFI), which labeled them “totally irresponsible” and warned that they could further damage France’s relationship with African nations. The diplomatic rift is compounded by France’s dwindling influence in Africa, as evidenced by the closure of French embassies in countries such as Niger and Mali.
Macron’s framing of France’s military pullback from the Sahel as a “necessary” pivot was met with skepticism. “We chose to shift our approach in Africa because it was necessary,” he stated, though many see it as an admission that the era of French dominance in the region is coming to an end.
The French president’s rhetorical missteps have sparked concerns over his relationship with the African continent, as his controversial language and actions have alienated many. Macron’s previous comments, including a remark about cyclone-hit Mayotte islanders in December—telling them to be grateful for France’s assistance—furthered the perception that he views Africa through a colonial lens.
As French influence in Africa continues to wane, Macron’s refusal to acknowledge the changing dynamics of the region could mark a turning point in relations between France and its former colonies.
