Diplomatic dip for France as African nations seek out stronger partners

A Nigerien woman holds a paper that reads 'We no longer want France' during a protest in which women bang together kitchen utensils in support of the country's junta in Niamey, Niger, on 30 August, 2023. © REUTERS - Mahamadou Hamidou

French diplomacy in Africa weakened considerably in 2023 as former allies steered their foreign policies elsewhere in the wake of military coups and general political upheaval. A new law making it harder for foreigners to immigrate to France has compounded matters.

French interests in Africa face monumental challenges in 2024 – especially following the toppling of leaders in Niger and Burkina Faso – which, like Mali, are former French military strongholds in the restive Sahel region.