French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked fresh controversy by accusing African leaders of “ungratefulness” for what he described as France’s pivotal role in ensuring the sovereignty and stability of their nations. Speaking passionately about France’s decades-long involvement in African security, Macron did not hold back, claiming that without French military intervention, many African states would not exist as sovereign nations today.
In a statement made during an address on regional developments, Macron said:
“We had a relationship based on security—it was, in fact, two-fold. On one hand, it was our engagement against terrorism since 2013. We were right, but I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s okay; it will come with time.”
Macron’s remarks appeared to be directed at the leaders of African nations that have recently distanced themselves from France or expelled French troops, often in the wake of military coups. He continued:
“Ungratefulness, I know too well, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to men. But I say this for all African heads of state who have lacked courage in the face of public opinion. None of them would be a sovereign country today if the French army wasn’t deployed in the region. My heart goes out to all of our soldiers, some of whom have given their lives and fought for years.”
The French president was resolute in defending France’s military involvement in Africa, emphasizing that his country’s presence was based on invitations from sovereign governments to combat terrorism and restore peace.
“We did the right thing. We left because there were coups d’état. We were there at the request of sovereign states who asked France to come. From the moment coups d’état happened and the people claimed their aims were no longer about fighting terrorism, France no longer belonged there.”
Macron’s comments come against the backdrop of strained Franco-African relations, particularly in the Sahel region.
The expulsion of French troops from Niger in December 2023 marked a significant turning point. Following a military takeover, Niger’s new junta rejected France’s support, a move preceded by President Macron’s condemnation of the coup and his vocal backing of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Niger’s military rulers demanded the immediate withdrawal of French forces, accusing them of undermining their sovereignty.
Adding to the diplomatic rift, in November 2024, Niger authorities expelled the French aid organization, the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (Acted), further severing ties with France. This incident mirrored similar actions by Mali, Chad, and Senegal, where French troops have also been asked to leave in recent times.
Macron’s comments have reignited debates over France’s legacy in Africa. Critics argue that France’s historical involvement in African politics and economics—rooted in its colonial past—has often been marked by exploitation and interference. Many African leaders and citizens see the removal of French troops as a step toward reclaiming their autonomy, free from neocolonial influences.
On the other hand, Macron’s supporters maintain that French military interventions have been instrumental in preventing extremist groups from overrunning fragile states in the Sahel. They argue that France’s withdrawal has left a dangerous vacuum, with countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso now turning to Russia’s Wagner Group for military support.
Macron’s pointed remarks underscore the growing tensions between France and its former colonies, reflecting a broader trend of African nations seeking to redefine their relationships with Western powers. As countries in the region increasingly prioritize self-determination, the question remains: how will Africa chart its path forward, and where does France fit in the picture?
With relations between France and many African nations at an all-time low, Macron’s fiery rhetoric may resonate in Paris but risks further alienating leaders and populations across the continent. The era of unquestioned Franco-African alliances appears to be fading, making way for a new geopolitical reality in Africa.
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