(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron recently concluded a five-day visit to Mauritius, South Africa, Gabon, and Angola, emphasizing that France is “turning the page” in its engagement with Africa—a message he has reiterated for several years.

However, the situation on the continent paints a more complex picture. French military forces have been expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, signaling the collapse of France’s previously dominant role in the Sahel. Meanwhile, political instability in Madagascar has shaken yet another traditional partner.

Analysts suggest that Macron’s repeated declaration now holds limited influence. They argue that the pressing question is no longer whether France is changing its approach, but whether African nations themselves have already moved on.

“Macron’s Africa policy is reacting to geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts … not being proactive,” said Ovigwe Eguegu, a political analyst at consultancy Development Reimagined. “Talking about turning the page in 2025 is nothing new.”

Macron’s efforts to reshape relations with Africa began long before this tour. In a widely noted 2017 speech in Ouagadougou, he announced the end of “Francafrique,” declaring “there is no longer a French policy for Africa.”

Despite this rhetoric, colonial-era systems, economic imbalances, and military dependencies largely persisted—until they began to rapidly unravel. Mali severed ties in 2022 after years of frustration with Operation Barkhane, accusing French forces of failing to prevent attacks and undermining national sovereignty. Burkina Faso followed soon after, as widespread protests against France erupted and the new military leadership proclaimed that “the era of dependency is over.”

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