PARIS, France – French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks accusing Sahelian nations of ingratitude toward France’s military intervention against militant jihadist insurgencies have drawn sharp rebukes from Senegal and Chad.
On Monday, Macron claimed that Sahel states had “forgotten” to thank France for preventing them from falling under militant control.
His comments, made during an annual ambassadors’ conference in Paris, come amid France’s ongoing troop withdrawals from West Africa.
Chad: Macron’s Remarks Show “Contempt for Africa”
Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah responded strongly, criticising Macron’s “contemptuous attitude” toward African nations.
“Chad expresses its deep concern following the remarks made recently by [the French president], which reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans,” Koulamallah said on national television.
He emphasised the contributions and sacrifices made by African soldiers, noting that “French leaders must learn to respect the African people and recognise the value of their sacrifices.”
Koulamallah also criticised France for prioritising its own strategic interests over the well-being of Chad during their 60-year partnership.
Chad terminated its defence agreement with France in November, stating that it was “time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.”
Senegal: France’s Role in African Instability
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko condemned Macron’s remarks, pointing to France’s historical role in destabilising the region, particularly through its involvement in Libya’s collapse.
“France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty,” Sonko said in a statement.
He dismissed Macron’s claim that Senegal’s decision to close French military bases in the country had involved negotiations with Paris.
“The decision stemmed from Senegal’s sole will as a free, independent, and sovereign country,” Sonko said.
Both Sonko and Koulamallah invoked the sacrifices of African soldiers during the world wars, noting their pivotal role in defending France.
“Had African soldiers, sometimes forcibly mobilised, mistreated and ultimately betrayed, not been deployed during the Second World War to defend France, it would, perhaps, still be German today,” Sonko said.
France’s Waning Influence in West Africa
Macron’s comments highlight the growing tensions between France and its former colonies in West Africa, where accusations of neo-colonialism and exploitative relationships have damaged France’s standing.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—all of which recently experienced coups—have expelled French troops and terminated security agreements.
These nations have increasingly turned to Russia for military and strategic support, further eroding France’s influence in the region.
Macron defended France’s military interventions, particularly its deployment to Mali in 2013 to counter Islamist insurgencies.
“We were right [to deploy]. I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s okay; it will come with time,” he said on Monday.
He added that without France’s intervention, “none of them would be a sovereign country today.”
