The recent reorganization at the top of the French intelligence services, marked by the replacement of Bernard Émié at the head of the Directorate General of External Security (DGSE) by Nicolas Lerner, comes in a context of notable crises and failures in Africa.
These setbacks, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, have highlighted the shortcomings of the French strategy on the African continent.
These three countries, once bastions of French influence in Africa, have become symbols of Paris’ difficulties in maintaining its pre-eminence in the region.
The coups that saw the arrival of presidents focused on the interests of their nations have shaken France’s position, and the DGSE, under the leadership of Émié, has been criticized for not anticipating these crises.
The arrival of Nicolas Lerner, who previously led the DGSI effectively, is perceived as an attempt to renew France’s approaches and strategies to external intelligence.
Lerner, known for his experience and workforce, has the mission to revitalize the DGSE at a time when France is seeking to regain its influence in Africa and anticipate future events.
The case of the war in Ukraine in which the French authorities did not believe too much sealed the fate of the former official. His predecessor at the DGSI, Céline Berthon, takes over and also brings a new dynamic to French internal security.
Russia’s strong partnerships
These changes come in a context where Russia has increased its presence in Africa, particularly in the Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso and advances its pawns at the NIiger.
Vladimir Putin’s country is thus advancing into the French circle in Africa offering an alternative in terms of security, widely appreciated by governments. The recent recovery of the city of Kidal in Mali sufficiently shows the strengthening of its ties.
The reorganization of French intelligence also responds to increased pressure from the United States, which, through initiatives such as negotiations with Bancroft Global Development, is seeking to establish itself in the Central African Republic.
This country is thus becoming a major strategic issue for these world powers.
The appointments of Lerner and Berthon, beyond their internal implications, are signs of a France seeking to adapt and redefine its African policy, in an increasingly competitive and complex international environment.
