In a significant shift in geopolitics, six African countries have rejected France's military presence, marking a decline in France's historical and colonial influence in West and Central Africa. The move is largely driven by rising anti-colonial sentiments and dissatisfaction with France's involvement in regional affairs.

For decades, French military bases in Africa were seen as cornerstones of strategic partnerships, granting France influence far beyond its borders. With over 2,000 troops stationed across Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, and Senegal, and Djibouti, Paris had heavily relied on these agreements to maintain its geopolitical foothold. However, these arrangements are now facing unprecedented scrutiny from African leaders and citizens.

The wave of expulsions of French influence from former colonies in Africa reflects a deep-seated shift in geopolitics, nationalism, and a growing rejection of what is perceived as neocolonialism. According to Reuters, the recent decision to withdraw French troops from Burkina Faso marks a significant decline in France's historical and colonial influence in West and Central Africa.

Following the expulsion of several French bases in Africa, military juntas have increasingly turned to Russia for support, with Russian mercenaries deployed across the Sahel region. This phenomenon, particularly visible in West and Central Africa, is fueled by a combination of historical grievances, contemporary dissatisfaction, and the emergence of new geopolitical players.

The Africa Report highlights that while France's withdrawal from countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger was expected to empower local governments and strengthen democratic processes, the outcome has been more complicated. Instead of fostering democracy, the retreat, fueled by nationalist sentiment, anti-colonial rhetoric, and political shifts across the continent, has often led to its decline.

The six African countries that have rejected France's military presence are Niger, Chad, Gabon, Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. Each country has its unique circumstances, but they all share a common desire to assert their sovereignty and realign their international partnerships. For instance, Niger's military junta banned French aid groups and expelled France's ambassador, while Chad ended its defense cooperation agreement with France. Gabon's military seized power and detained President Ali Bongo Ondimba, leading to the suspension of military cooperation with France.

Mali's alliance with France against insurgents unraveled after two military coups in 2020 and 2021, with the junta's reluctance to set a civilian rule timeline and accusations of French interference straining relations. Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently called for the closure of French military bases in the country, linking the move to Senegal's sovereignty. Burkina Faso's military-led government called for the departure of French troops, setting a four-week withdrawal deadline.

The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with the emergence of new geopolitical players like Russia and the United States vying for influence in Africa. As the continent navigates this new landscape, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future of international relations and global politics.

In conclusion, the rejection of France's military presence by six African countries marks a significant turning point in the continent's history. As African nations assert their sovereignty and realign their international partnerships, the world is witnessing a profound shift in geopolitics, nationalism, and global influence.