Supporters of Captain Ibrahim Traore protest against France and ECOWAS in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 4, 2022 (AP)

The concept of Françafrique was introduced in the Gaullist "decolonization" era as an alternative to the preceding era of direct colonialism.

In a report for Libération, Serge July explains that Françafrique describes the neocolonial relationship between France and its former African colonies.

This system which was legitimized under the guise of "decolonization" allowed France to exploit its former colonies while granting them the facade of autonomy.

France's Waning Influence

The writer argues that the neocolonial arrangements that once boosted French influence in Africa are facing challenges.

Over the past decades, China has emerged as a formidable economic force in Africa, eclipsing France, the United Kingdom, and the United States combined. This shift in economic power has led to France's commercial marginalization in the continent, forcing a reevaluation of its role and approach to Franco-African relations.

One of the most contentious issues in the relationship between France and some African states is the use of the CFA franc ( Communauté Financière Africaine).

Fourteen African countries continue to use this currency, which requires them to deposit hard reserves with the French Treasury. Critics argue that this arrangement perpetuates elements of colonial control, as these states are deprived of their monetary sovereignty. The push for economic autonomy is fueling calls for rethinking the entire monetary framework.

Militant Hotbeds in the Sahel

Amid the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region and the rise of terrorist hotbeds, French military presence in the region are facing challenges.

Following a November 2019 French helicopter crash in Mali that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers, Macron overreacted and urged West African leaders to make an immediate flight to France. Conversations about the traces of colonialism frequently bring up memories of these incidents. Anything that reminds people of colonial practices is detrimental to African public opinion.

Moreover, recent events, such as the military coup in Niger, are sparking discussions about a possible shift in public sentiment toward French presence in Africa.

While coups and protests may have immediate reasons, they are framed in the broader context of the rejection of the historical ties between France and its former African colonies. The legitimacy and support for French involvement are under question, and African populations are demanding greater autonomy and agency in shaping their futures.