PARIS, France: France is set to scale back its military presence in West and Central Africa, aligning with President Emmanuel Macron’s strategy to minimize the French military footprint in the region. Macron’s announcement in February 2023 signaled a significant reduction in French troop numbers amid rising anti-French sentiment in former colonies and increased competition for influence from countries like Russia.
Under the proposed plan, France intends to drastically reduce its “pre-positioned” forces in Africa, maintaining approximately 600 troops overall. This reduction entails scaling down troop deployments in key African countries. For instance, the number of troops stationed in Gabon in Central Africa will decrease from 350 to around 100, while Senegal in West Africa will see a similar reduction from 350 to approximately 100 personnel.
Additionally, France plans to decrease its military presence in Ivory Coast on the southern coast of West Africa from 600 troops to around 100 and in Chad in north-central Africa from 1,000 to approximately 300 soldiers. Despite the planned reductions, French officials emphasize the potential for periodic expansions based on the evolving needs of local partners.
The shift in France’s military posture comes against the backdrop of changing dynamics in the Sahel region, where France has been conducting the Barkhane anti-jihadist operation. Recent political developments, including the rise of juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have led to France’s gradual withdrawal from the region. These countries have forged security agreements with Russia, signaling a shift in alliances and influence.
Chad, the last Sahel country hosting French soldiers, faces complex geopolitical realities, compounded by the presence of Russian paramilitary forces and the reorganization of the Wagner group following its founder’s demise. Macron tasked former Minister Jean-Marie Bockel with redefining the modalities of French military presence in Africa, with his conclusions expected in July.
France’s military strategy aims to balance reduced visibility with maintaining logistical, human, and material access to partner countries while responding to their evolving security needs. The establishment of a Paris-based command dedicated to Africa underscores France’s commitment to maintaining operational capabilities in the region.
General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of Staff of France’s armed forces, emphasizes the importance of maintaining relations with local military authorities, intelligence gathering, and operational partnerships under the new structure. French soldiers will transition from combat missions to providing training and support to partner countries upon request, reflecting France’s evolving approach to security cooperation in Africa.
