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France, Africa, Emmanuel Macron, Senegal, Chad, Italy, Niger, Sahel, Russian influence, Chinese influence, Turkey, Mattei Plan, geopolitical shifts, military strategy, sovereignty, Western decline, African partnerships, defense policy, international relations, European Union.
The African Debacle of Macron and Missed Opportunities for Italy
Two centuries of French influence and military presence in Africa have crumbled under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron. After the expulsions from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military juntas ousted French troops, Paris is now losing its foothold in Senegal and Chad. These developments come as Macron was devising plans to downsize France’s presence in African nations still tolerating its increasingly burdensome “protection.”
On December 27, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced plans to close all foreign military bases in the country, a declaration that effectively signals the expulsion of French forces—the only foreign military contingent in Senegal. This decision, made by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, underscores Senegal’s intent to “strengthen national autonomy in security matters.” The announcement reflects a broader shift in Africa, where sovereignty increasingly clashes with lingering colonial influence.
Similarly, Chad, long regarded as France’s most reliable partner in Africa, announced in late November the termination of its military cooperation with Paris. The move forces the withdrawal of roughly 1,000 French troops and associated aircraft. On December 26, Chad’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the closure of the French airbase in Faya Largeau, marking the first phase of a broader retreat. French forces are expected to leave Chad entirely by January 31, 2025. The decision reflects Chad’s desire to “redefine its sovereignty” and recalibrate strategic partnerships, signaling a seismic shift in Franco-African relations.
These developments amount to a historic debacle for France, whose post-colonial dominance in Africa is rapidly eroding. Analysts describe this as the final nail in the coffin of France’s military preeminence in the Sahel. Paris is being eclipsed by new actors, including Russia, China, and Turkey, whose military and economic engagements resonate more strongly with African nations seeking alternatives to Western influence.
For Italy, this upheaval presents both challenges and opportunities. Unlike other Western powers, Italy has retained a military presence in Niger, positioning itself as a potential counterbalance to declining French influence. However, Rome has yet to capitalize on this unique position. The much-touted “Mattei Plan” has fallen short of addressing Africa’s immediate priorities of defense and security, focusing instead on humanitarian and infrastructure projects that dilute Italian visibility within broader EU and U.S. initiatives.
Without a robust security pillar, Italy risks remaining a marginal player in Africa, unable to challenge the growing influence of Russia and China. African governments, grappling with pressing security concerns, are increasingly drawn to Moscow’s packages of military advisors, contractors, and arms. In contrast, Italy’s fragmented investments lack coherence and fail to establish a distinct identity.
The African continent is undergoing a profound geopolitical reconfiguration, with traditional Western actors losing ground to emerging powers. Italy has the chance to redefine its role, but this requires a strategic shift: prioritizing direct, bilateral partnerships that emphasize security and defense alongside development. Without such an approach, Italy’s influence in Africa risks being as ephemeral as France’s fading legacy.
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