France’s President Emmanuel Macron concluded a tour of Central Africa  in a diplomatic drive to test a new “responsible relationship” with the continent as anti-French sentiment runs high in some former colonies. He landed in Gabon’s capital Libreville on Wednesday and later headed to Angola, Congo-Brazzaville and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.  Macron’s trip comes as alarm grows in Paris over Russia’s rising influence in French-speaking African countries, joining China, which has been present in the region for some years.

Chequered History.

His recent visit to Central Africa according to observers was underpinned by the Franc Afrique strategy, which is France's policy of maintaining strong political, economic, and military ties with its former African colonies. It brought to light the complex and often fraught historical context between France and its former colonies on the African continent. It is a history that has been marked by exploitation, violence, and cultural erasure, as well as by moments of mutual cooperation and understanding.France's colonial project in Africa began in earnest in the late 19th century, as European powers competed for control of the continent's resources and people. The French colonizers viewed their mission as one of civilizing the "uncivilized" African peoples, imposing their language, religion, and cultural values on the populations they sought to subjugate. This led to a legacy of violence, as African resistance movements were violently suppressed and traditional ways of life were uprooted.

French Legacy.

The legacy of French colonialism in Central Africa is still visible today, in the form of political instability, economic inequality, and ongoing conflicts over resources and power. France has been accused of propping up corrupt and authoritarian leaders in its former colonies, while continuing to benefit from the extraction of natural resources from the region. Despite this troubled history, Macron's visit to Central Africa signaled a new willingness to engage in a more nuanced and respectful relationship with the continent. He acknowledged the role that France has played in perpetuating inequality and instability in the region, and called for a new era of partnership based on mutual respect and collaboration.

This is an important step forward in the complex and fraught relationship between France and Central Africa. While the historical context of colonialism and exploitation cannot be erased, it is possible to move forward in a way that acknowledges the past while working towards a more just and equitable future. Macron's visit is a reminder that there is always room for growth and change, and that we must always be willing to confront our past in order to build a better future.

Geo-Political Context.

The Geopolitical context surrounding French President Macron's visit to Central Africa is one that cannot be ignored. For years, Central Africa, and indeed Africa as a whole, has been increasingly becoming a battleground for superpowers seeking to gain influence and control over the continent. The strategic importance of Africa cannot be overstated, as it possesses abundant natural resources, including oil, minerals, and fertile land, which make it an attractive destination for foreign investment. As a result, many global powers, including China, the United States, and Russia, have been vying for influence in the region, with each country adopting its own approach.

In recent years, China has been particularly aggressive in its efforts to expand its influence in Africa, using its vast resources to engage in large-scale infrastructure projects, offer aid and investment, and provide military support to key African nations. Meanwhile, the United States and its Western allies have been focusing on strengthening their military presence in the region, citing the need to combat terrorism and protect their interests.

France, which has a long and complex history with its former colonies in Africa, has been a key player in the region for decades. Its interventionist policies, however, have not always been welcomed by the local population, with many accusing the French of neo-colonialism. Against this backdrop, Macron's visit to Central Africa takes on added significance. The French

President's message of partnership and cooperation, as opposed to domination, is a welcome departure from the traditional approach of many Western powers. However, the challenge for Macron and other global leaders is to strike a balance between pursuing their national interests and respecting the sovereignty of African nations.

Super-power rivalry.

As Africa continues to grow in importance, it is likely that the competition for influence will only intensify. It is essential that African nations are given the space and resources they need to chart their own course, without the interference of foreign powers seeking to exploit their resources and undermine their autonomy. Central Africa, a region known for its abundant natural resources, has been attracting economic interests from both local and international players for decades. However, the economic potential of this region has not always been translated into benefits for its people. The visit to Central Africa has raised questions about the role of foreign powers in the economic development of the region.

While some argue that foreign investment is necessary to kickstart economic growth, others argue that it often comes at a cost to the local population. The extraction of natural resources such as diamonds, gold, and oil has often led to environmental degradation and human rights abuses. Foreign companies often repatriate profits back to their home countries rather than investing them locally. 

Furthermore, economic interests in Central Africa have not only been driven by the desire for profit, but also by geopolitical interests. The competition among  superpowers such as China, Russia, and the United States has intensified in recent years, with each vying for influence in the region. These global players often use economic means to gain political leverage, further complicating the economic landscape.

In the midst of the economic and geopolitical interests at play, it is crucial to also consider the security concerns that underlie France's involvement in Central Africa. The region has been plagued by conflict and instability for decades, with armed groups and rebel forces vying for power and control over valuable resources. From a security standpoint, France has a vested interest in maintaining stability in the region. The country has a long history of military intervention in Central Africa, with Operation Sangaris in 2013 being the most recent example. This operation aimed to prevent sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian groups in the Central African Republic. France has also established military bases in several Central African countries, including Chad, Gabon, and Djibouti. These bases serve as strategic points from which France can monitor and respond to security threats across the continent.

Against this backdrop, external actors - including both African and non-African states - have sought to exert influence and shape political outcomes in Central Africa. These efforts are often driven by economic and strategic interests, as well as by geopolitical rivalries and the desire to secure access to natural resources. At the same time, local political actors have often proved adept at leveraging these external pressures to advance their own agendas. This has sometimes led to the emergence of complex webs of alliances and rivalries, with political actors jockeying for position and seeking to outmaneuver their opponents.

Humanitarian Crisis.

 The Central African Republic has been plagued by humanitarian crises for years, with ongoing conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has worsened access to healthcare and increased economic hardships. France has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to the Central African Republic, including medical assistance, shelter, and food.

During President Macron's recent visit, he announced an additional €24 million in aid to support the country's humanitarian needs. However, while aid is important in addressing the immediate needs of the population, it is also crucial to address the underlying causes of the crisis. This includes addressing issues of governance, promoting human rights, and supporting efforts towards reconciliation and peacebuilding. Moreover, it is important for the international community to step up its efforts to provide support and assistance to the Central African Republic, and to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered in an efficient and effective manner. This requires coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Ultimately, addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic requires a comprehensive and sustained effort that addresses the root causes of the crisis, promotes stability and security, and provides the necessary support to meet the immediate needs of the population.

Security and Economic Cooperation.

Macron's primary focus during his visit was to strengthen ties with African leaders and address the ongoing crises that the region is facing. His agenda also included discussing security cooperation and economic partnerships. He emphasized the importance of strengthening security measures to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the region. The rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram and al-Shabaab in West and East Africa, respectively, France sees Central Africa as a key battleground in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The political dynamics of Central Africa are complex and multifaceted, shaped by a range of internal and external factors. The region has long been characterized by instability, with armed conflicts, coups, and political violence all too common. This instability is often driven by ethnic and religious tensions, economic disparities, and competition for power and resources.

Another significant part of Macron's agenda was addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. He visited a hospital in the Central African Republic, where he pledged to provide more aid and support for health services. Macron also highlighted the importance of education and cultural exchange as a means of promoting development and fostering understanding between France and Central Africa.

Controversy of the Visit.

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Central Africa has not been without criticism and controversy. Some critics have accused Macron of continuing France's neocolonial policies in Africa, while others have questioned the effectiveness of his proposed solutions to the region's problems. One of the main criticisms is that Macron's policies are driven by economic interests, rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of the Central African people. Some argue that France is only interested in maintaining its influence and access to the region's natural resources, rather than promoting sustainable development and democracy.

Another controversy is Macron's proposed military intervention in the region. While some argue that it is necessary to combat the growing threat of terrorism and extremism, others are concerned about the potential for French troops to exacerbate the situation and cause further instability. Some have questioned Macron's emphasis on security and economic development, while neglecting humanitarian and environmental concerns. Critics argue that the root causes of the region's problems are poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, and that these issues must be addressed before any meaningful progress can be made.

Finally, there is the question of whether Macron's policies will have any lasting impact on the region. Many argue that France's history of intervention in Africa has been marked by short-term gains and long-term harm, and that a more comprehensive and sustainable approach is needed. Despite these criticisms and controversies, Macron's visit and agenda have brought renewed attention to the challenges facing Central Africa and the need for international cooperation and support. The ultimate success of his policies will depend on how they are implemented and whether they address the root causes of the region's problems.

Conclusion.

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Central Africa highlights the complex geopolitical landscape, economic interests, security concerns, political dynamics, humanitarian concerns, and controversies surrounding the region. Despite Macron's ambitious agenda of promoting sustainable development and combating terrorism, his visit has also been met with criticisms from some quarters who question France's historical role in the region and its motives for involvement. However, it is clear that the challenges facing Central Africa and Africa as a whole require sustained engagement and collaboration between regional and international actors, with a focus on promoting inclusive growth, good governance, and respect for human rights. Macron's visit may have stirred up controversy, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to address the root causes of conflict and instability in the region.