France is set to significantly reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa, in line with President Emmanuel Macron’s strategy to limit the French military footprint in the region. This decision reflects rising anti-French sentiment in some former colonies and increasing competition from Russia for influence in Africa.
Currently, discussions are underway with African partners to cut back on France’s “pre-positioned” forces. According to government and military sources, troop numbers in Gabon will drop from 350 to about 100, in Senegal from 350 to 100, in Ivory Coast from 600 to 100, and in Chad from 1,000 to 300.
This reduction follows France’s withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where new military regimes have favored security ties with Russia. Despite the downsizing, France plans to maintain the ability to expand its presence as needed, based on local requirements.
This move aligns with a broader shift away from combat operations toward providing training and support to partner nations. A new Paris-based command focused on Africa will coordinate these efforts.
Former minister Jean-Marie Bockel, tasked by Macron to outline the new framework, emphasized the need to balance reducing France’s visible presence while maintaining essential support and intelligence capabilities. His recommendations are expected in July.
The military drawdown comes amid changing political landscapes in host countries, such as Senegal’s emphasis on sovereignty under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and does not affect France’s base in Djibouti, which remains crucial for securing international trade routes.
