Portrait of Emmanuel Macron
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Emmanuel Macron on African Policy/Engagement

Strategic Autonomy Focus (strong) Position evolved

Emmanuel Macron's vision for African Policy/Engagement is framed around forging a new relationship with the continent, characterized by partnership rather than hierarchy, and emphasizing African agency.

His strategy often stresses the concept of strategic autonomy for African nations, encouraging them to lead on security issues like the fight against Islamist terrorism while France offers support.

Macron's tenure has involved tangible actions like military restructuring and economic initiatives, yet his policies frequently attract complex reactions, blending calls for genuine partnership with historical critiques of French involvement.

Context

Macron inherited a complex web of relationships across Africa, heavily influenced by France's colonial history and its military commitments, particularly in the Sahel.

His presidency is marked by a conscious effort to pivot away from what many in Africa view as Françafrique—a system of political and economic influence maintained by France—towards more equal footing.

Actions Taken

  1. Defense policy reform
    Announced plans to restructure the long-standing French military presence in Africa, aiming for a smaller, more flexible footprint focused on specific partnerships.
  2. Bilateral relations
    Called for the normalization of relations between France and Ethiopia after a period of strain due to the Tigray War.
  3. Economic policy/Debt restructuring
    Addressed a global climate finance conference where he proposed offering low-income countries aid instead of credit to free up resources for climate action and poverty reduction.

Key Quotes

We are here to affirm a new relationship that is built on respect, shared ambition, and a focus on the future.

Speech on Franco-African relations November 1, 2017 — Stating the goal for a fresh start with African nations.

I am in favor of a gradual, controlled reduction of our military presence and of a shared responsibility for our common security.

Speech on defense and security in Africa March 1, 2020 — Explaining the rationale behind reforming the French military footprint.

Related Positions

  • European Strategic Autonomy Macron's emphasis on Europe reducing dependence on the US is mirrored in his push for African nations to achieve greater self-reliance.
  • Counter-Terrorism Operations His foreign policy priority of fighting Islamist terrorism directly impacts France's continued, though reshaped, military engagement in the Sahel region.

Criticism

Climate activists

Criticized Macron for supporting projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline while simultaneously advocating for climate finance, suggesting a contradictory stance.

Opposition lawmakers and analysts

Concerns were raised about the sincerity of the 'new partnership' narrative, with critics pointing to historical paternalistic tendencies persisting in French policy actions.

Sources5

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.