France has formally concluded its long-standing military engagement in West Africa, marking a decisive transformation in its strategy toward the continent. The move, which has been steadily implemented since 2022, reflects the fallout from a wave of military coups and surging anti-French sentiment across several Sahel nations.
The final step in this withdrawal came with the handover of France’s last significant military base in the Sahel, ending a deployment that had lasted more than a decade. The shift was confirmed by Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophone Affairs and International Partnerships, during a press briefing from South Africa on the sidelines of G20 development talks.
Responding to a Reuters inquiry, Mohamed-Soilihi stated: “I’m sorry to say this, but it no longer concerns us.” He expressed regret over the deteriorating situation compared to the period before France’s pullback, while stressing that Paris is now exploring “other ways of maintaining ties that are not necessarily military.”
Between 2022 and 2024, French forces withdrew from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries that have each experienced military transitions in recent years. These departures coincided with the suspension or cancellation of long-standing security agreements. In November 2024, Chad, long viewed as one of France’s most critical partners in the region, ended its own defense pact with Paris, underscoring the profound reassessment of traditional partnerships.
The Sahel region, however, continues to grapple with relentless violence perpetrated by non-state armed groups, particularly in volatile border areas. These ongoing attacks have deepened a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and some incidents ranking among the deadliest seen in years.
Although stepping back militarily, France has signaled that its ties to Africa are far from severed. Mohamed-Soilihi emphasized that Paris is seeking to develop economic, cultural, and educational cooperation with African nations, drawing on models already employed by powers such as the United States and China. This approach, he said, could open “a new era of partnership” not reliant on a military footprint.
About The Author
