Why are there still French Forces in Africa?

A headline read: France leave Burkina Faso - why were they there at all?

Headlines today refer to requests from Burkina Faso for the French military forces to leave parts of Western Africa. First It was Mali and now Burkina Faso (~aka Upper Volta). One of the key questions asked by people not familiar with the region is Why is France in Western Africa in the first place?

Geography and History

During the Colonial period, France maintained control of many colonies in Africa, particularly in Western Africa, an area it has called “France’s Backyard”. This map of Africa shows the former French Colonies .

The French military has been deployed continuously in Africa. From 1945 – 2005 France conducted mover 130 military actions in Africa, most in their former colonies. Since the colonies achieved independence, France has still maintained military and infrastructure relations with most of these countries. This is by mutual agreement.

France was reducing military engagement in Africa until about 2012, when terrorism and Al Qaeda moved into the region. France reengaged with five of its former colonies in The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5S). These included Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.

Economics of the Situation

One of the reasons that France has kept engaged in the region since independence is that France has been Western Africa’s largest trading partner (later the EU which France is a part of). France and the EU have lowered tariffs for many goods from the region and have worked with governments on economic investments. Maintaining healthy economies in the region reduces the internal strife in many countries.

For example, the main currency of region is the West African Franc and the Central African Franc, both of which were tied to the French Franc, and now tied to the Euro. This is a benefit to these countries versus many other African countries that suffer massive inflation. It has been a healthy economic relationship.

France and Europe believe that the more successful and educate a country is, the more it is committed to a peaceful existence. Therefore, this policy has been set and followed by the European Union, with France as the leader of this policy.

But the reality is now that France and the EU are about to be replaced by China as the region’s biggest trading partner. China also leads in foreign investment, although that has problems of its own. This change is going to raise issues since the region works with France and the United States for protection. How motivated will these two powers be if they are protecting Chinese interests.

As the economic center of power moves, expect the military center of power to move as well.

Current Military Situation

Military operations have been questioned by the African people in the G5S countries. Primarily about France not doing enough fighting against the Islamic militants.

In August of 2022, the French Military (and American) decided to leave Mali after a coup d’état put a new unelected Military government in pace. French and American sources also complained that the new government brought in mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary company.

This month, Burkina Faso has also asked the French to leave, ostensibly so the government can pursue the Islamist better with their own teams. Many observers think that the Wagner Group will be used there as well.

This is a natural result of more independence being shown by the ex-colonies who have more choices in both the military and economic realms.

(much of the detail was taken from FOI (FOI.SE) report - LINK)