What You Need to Know
French President Emmanuel Macron has initiated a series of bilateral meetings with African leaders, focusing on political, security, and economic cooperation. These discussions aim to strengthen France’s partnerships in Africa, particularly with Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, amidst regional challenges.
Africa-Press. French President Emmanuel Macron has initiated a series of bilateral meetings at the Élysée Palace, focusing on political, security, and economic cooperation with several African leaders as part of efforts to strengthen French partnerships on the continent.
New Partnership with Madagascar
Macron welcomed the president tasked with the “re-establishment” process in Madagascar, Colonel Mikaël Randriarina. A joint statement following the meeting indicated that Macron welcomed the “initial progress in the re-establishment process,” affirming Paris’s support for holding free elections within two years.
The two sides agreed to launch a renewed partnership based on three main pillars. Politically, Paris emphasized the importance of supporting transitional institutions and enhancing internal stability. Economically, both parties agreed to expand joint investment projects to drive development.
Regarding security, the leaders confirmed ongoing cooperation to address regional challenges threatening stability in the Indian Ocean.
Economy and Security with Côte d’Ivoire
Macron met with Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides stressed the importance of increasing mutual investments and developing developmental projects that serve their interests. They also discussed regional security issues, particularly in West Africa, where the region faces challenges related to terrorism and organized crime.
Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Francophonie Battle
The meetings continued with the arrival of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, marking the second meeting between him and Macron in less than a month.
The discussions came amid escalating security and humanitarian crises in eastern DRC, where the two parties discussed developments in North and South Kivu provinces and ways to support ceasefire efforts between government forces and armed groups.
The meeting also addressed ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including Angolan mediation, as well as the role of the UN mission (MONUSCO) in supporting stability and alleviating humanitarian suffering.
However, security was not the only focus of the discussion, as Tshisekedi also raised his country’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, reflecting Kinshasa’s desire to enhance its presence within the Francophone space. Both sides described the meeting as “constructive,” emphasizing the importance of continued coordination on bilateral and regional issues.
Emerging New Partnership
These consecutive meetings raise questions about whether Paris is in the process of reshaping its African policy. With support for political processes in Madagascar, enhanced economic and security cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire, and engagement in addressing the complex crisis in eastern DRC, France appears eager to demonstrate a renewed presence on the continent.
These moves may reflect an attempt to rebuild trust with African partners and reaffirm Paris’s role as a key player in security, development, and Francophonie issues, reshaping the contours of French-African partnership in a new phase. However, France faces challenges in its African presence, particularly in West Africa, where its standing has declined against international and regional competitors, making these meetings a test of its ability to regain influence ahead of the upcoming France-Africa summit scheduled for May in Nairobi.
France has historically maintained a significant influence in Africa, particularly in its former colonies. Recent years have seen a shift in dynamics, with rising competition from other global powers and regional actors. Macron’s renewed engagement with African leaders reflects an effort to adapt to these changes and reinforce France’s role in addressing security and development issues on the continent.
The upcoming France-Africa summit in Nairobi is expected to further highlight these themes, as France seeks to navigate its relationships and respond to the evolving geopolitical landscape in Africa.
