West African Countries Declare French Troops Personae non-gratae
French Military Leader hands over to Burkina Faso Leader © Reuters
By Yusef Taylor
Over the past weeks, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Chad have started ordering French troops to leave their countries. This is an addition to other West African nations that have called for the departure of French troops from their territories, signalling a broader shift in the region's approach to sovereignty, security, and foreign influence. The demand, voiced most prominently by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has sparked debates over the legacy of French military interventions, their impact on regional stability, and the future of Pan-African independence.
French military involvement in Africa traces back to the colonial era, evolving into a network of bases established after World War II. These bases were initially justified as measures to maintain regional stability, protect French citizens, and combat emerging threats. However, the reality often aligned more closely with protecting French geopolitical and economic interests, such as securing access to vital resources like uranium from Niger.
While France’s official narrative emphasizes counterterrorism and peacekeeping, critics argue that these efforts have perpetuated a form of neocolonial dependence. By positioning itself as a security guarantor, France has been accused of undermining the sovereignty of its former colonies. This has led to mounting frustration among citizens and governments, culminating in widespread calls for French troop withdrawals.
What is certain is that Africans are rebelling against Western influence in their countries, which was a major factor in the collapse of the Nigerien government, which was seen as a puppet to the French government. The people of Niger stormed the French Embassy and demanded their immediate removal as soon as the Niger coup leaders seized power. Now the leadership of other West African countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Chad are rebelling against Western military influence.
Alliance of Sahel States Leaders Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have broken ties with French Military Leaders © Peoples Dispatch
For countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, removing French troops has been a symbolic and practical step toward reclaiming sovereignty. The decision reflects a broader Pan-African perspective that champions self-reliance and independence from former colonial powers. By ejecting foreign troops, these nations have begun charting paths toward new alliances and localised solutions to security challenges.
The demand for the removal of French troops is emblematic of a broader Pan-African movement advocating for political and economic liberation from foreign influence. This perspective emphasizes the importance of sovereignty as a cornerstone for sustainable development and self-determination.
For nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, this shift is about more than just security. It represents a rejection of paternalistic relations with former colonial powers and an assertion of their right to define their futures. By prioritizing regional cooperation and investing in indigenous solutions, these nations are carving out a path that could inspire similar movements across the continent.
The departure of French troops from West African nations marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history. It underscores the enduring tensions between neocolonial dynamics and the aspirations for sovereignty and independence. While challenges remain in maintaining security and addressing terrorism, the move signals a bold assertion of self-determination, offering hope for a future where African nations stand as equal players on the global stage. This shift, though fraught with risks, is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of Pan-African ideals and the unyielding quest for true independence
