France faces a significant challenge to its influence in West and Central Africa as Chad, Senegal and most recently also Ivory Coast have announced the end to traditional military cooperation with their former colonial master, experts say, adding that this would unravel France’s remaining logistics and military footprint in the region. In recent months, six […]
Tag: France
France is asked to withdraw its troops from Côte d’Ivoire
Ivorian president has announced the withdrawal of French troops from the country’s territory in January, becoming the latest African nation to weaken military ties with its former colonial master. President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire said in his end-of-year speech on Tuesday (31 December) that the French military would hand over control of its Port […]
Chad: vote counting underway in contentious elections amid opposition boycott
Polls closed Sunday (29 December) in Chad’s legislative, provincial and local elections after three years of military rule, but were boycotted by the opposition that accuses authorities of fraud and of failing to oversee a credible electoral process. After Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno won a disputed presidential election in May, his government is now presenting […]
France transfers its first military base to Chadian authorities as influence in Africa wanes
France on Thursday (26 December) officially handed over its first military base to Chad as part of an ongoing withdrawal of French forces from the central African country, which comes after N’Djamena abruptly ended military cooperation with its former colonial power last month. Chad’s military chief of staff said the military base at Faya-Largeau in […]
Morocco’s King sends condolences message to French President following devastating cyclone Chido in Mayotte
King Mohammed VI has expressed his sincere condolences and solidarity in a message to French President Emmanuel Macron following the devastating Cyclone Chido that hit the Mayotte archipelago. “In this painful moment for your nation, I extend my sincere condolences and, through you, to the French people and the grief-stricken families, my deepest compassion,” the […]
France rejects Algeria’s accusations as ‘fanciful’
“Unfounded and fanciful.” It is in these words that French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded to lengthy and tedious accusations by an Algerian regime in disarray, blinded by Morocco-phobia and mired in conspiracy theories. Speaking to French media, Barrot was responding to uncorroborated allegations by the Algerian regime which- through its official media and mouthpieces- […]
France starts withdrawal from Chad as longstanding military presence winds down
French military forces have begun pulling out of Chad, marking the end of a long era of defense cooperation in the region. The withdrawal process, which started with the departure of two Mirage fighter jets, follows Chad’s sudden decision to terminate its defense agreement with Paris. Although details about the timetable and the fate of […]
King Mohammed VI represented at Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening ceremony by Prince Moulay Rachid
King Mohammed VI was represented by Prince Moulay Rachid at the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral, held in Paris on Saturday. Upon his arrival at the cathedral’s forecourt, Prince Moulay Rachid was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse Brigitte Macron. Following the ceremonial opening of the cathedral doors by the Archbishop of Paris […]
Niger assumes control of strategic uranium operations
Niger’s military administration has seized control of uranium mining operations previously managed by French nuclear firm Orano, marking a pivotal shift in resource management following the July military takeover. This development represents a significant escalation in deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power, as military authorities implement comprehensive changes to foreign resource extraction […]
Chad’s Deby defends decision to break ‘obsolete’ defense pact with Paris
Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby has defended his decision to break military ties with France and ask for the withdrawal of French troops, saying that the security agreement with its former colonial master failed to provide substantial military value to the country amid various challenges, including terrorist attacks. Deby has said their defense pact no […]