French President Emmanuel Macron recently wrapped up a five-day tour of Africa, claiming France is “turning the page.” However, analysts say the continent has already moved on. His message comes as France’s influence faces historic setbacks, with military expulsions from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and political upheaval in Madagascar. While Macron promotes “reinvented partnerships,” critics argue he is reacting to geopolitical shifts rather than leading a genuine transformation. They also say he has not acknowledged the failures of his earlier vision. Macron’s short visit and tilt toward Anglophone states further fueled skepticism. Though France still wields significant economic and diplomatic weight on the continent, it now competes in a crowded geopolitical field where African nations prefer diverse partnerships. This has led experts to conclude that the era of French preeminence is over, whether Paris has acknowledged it or not.
AA
