Macron's Sahel Remarks Spark Controversy With African Leaders

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French President Emmanuel Macron has defended his country's intervention against Islamist militants in the Sahel region, asserting that France was "right" to act and criticizing the leaders of the involved nations for their lack of gratitude.

During a speech to French ambassadors at the Elysée Palace in Paris on Monday, Macron emphasized that the sovereignty of Sahel countries was preserved due to French military efforts, which prevented Islamist militants from seizing control. He accused African leaders of lacking the "courage" to acknowledge this publicly.

In response, leaders from Chad and Senegal accused Macron of arrogance. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko issued a statement declaring, "France lacks the capacity and legitimacy to ensure Africa's security and sovereignty." He added, "French leaders must respect the African people and recognize their sacrifices."

Chad's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, expressed "deep concern" over Macron's remarks, describing them as reflective of a "contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans." Koulamallah reiterated the call for French leaders to respect African sacrifices.

Chad, once one of France's closest allies in Africa, announced last November that it would halt defense cooperation with France, leading to the withdrawal of around 1,000 French troops. Despite this, Chad has expressed a desire to maintain good relations, with Koulamallah stating, "This is not a break with France like in Niger or elsewhere."

Niger's former president, Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally, was ousted by a military junta in July 2023. France has also withdrawn from Mali and Burkina Faso after a series of military coups and is currently in the process of pulling out from Senegal, the Ivory Coast, and Chad.

As France's influence in its former colonies wanes, countries like Russia, China, and Turkey have increased their presence in the region. In his New Year's address, Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye announced that all foreign military activity would end in the country by 2025, deeming the French military presence incompatible with sovereignty.

Macron concluded his address by asserting that "France is not on the back foot in Africa; it is merely being pragmatic and reorganizing itself."

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