“Françafrica” in French power politics: formation, evolution, crisis (1960–2023)

The theme of “Françafrique”, by which the author, following many French and African experts, understands the specific neo-colonial system of relations that emerged in the early 60s, has acquired particular relevance after the sharp weakening of France’s position in recent years in a number of African countries, in particularly in the Sahel region. These changes undoubtedly indicate a crisis in this system. The author analyses its formation under President Charles de Gaulle, its evolution after the latter left office, including as a result of the attempts of his successors to adapt to new trends on the continent, in particular, the growing desire of Africans for greater independence. The author shows the slow and contradictory process of moving away from the corrupt and forceful methods of “Françafrique”, which gave odiousness to this very term and is associated with Jacques Foccart, a close collaborator of Charles de Gaulle. Finally, the President Emmanuel Macron, who advertised an “innovative approach” to Franco-African relations, did not risk using military force after the military coup in Niger in 2023. However, he could not completely abandon the neo-colonial model. France still has a number of factors of influence on the continent; the question is whether this will be enough in the face of growing competition from other powers.