THE DECREASE OF THE FRENCH INFLENCE

OVER AFRICA
PLAN OF THE PRESENTATION
INTRODUCTION

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

WITH :
ECONOMICAL PROBLEMS
- MOROCCO
- ALGERIA
- MALI
POLITICAL ISSUES

CONCLUSION & SOLUTIONS

Page 02
HISTORICAL
CONTEXT Page 03

France established a colonial system in Africa, it

granted independence to most of its African colonies
but maintained close economic and political ties with
them.

Today, the former French African

colonies have varying relationships
with France, ranging from close
cooperation to persistent mistrust.
 MOROCCO Page 04

The key events that have marked this relationship, include:

the Treaty of Fez (1912)
Moroccan resistance
Independence (1956)
The period of the "Years of Lead" (1960-1970)
Economic and political relations between France and Morocco are
close today, but tensions always arise around the issue of Western Sahara
and immigration.

ALGERIA
Dates back to the early 19th century when France began to exert its influence in
North Africa. In 1830, France invaded Algeria to establish colonial control over the
region.
After over a century of colonization, Algeria gained its independence in 1962, but
the relationship between the two countries has been marked by tensions and
conflicts, particularly regarding the recognition of war crimes and the restitution
of cultural assets.

MALI
Back to the era of French colonization in Africa, Mali was french colonial control
for over a century before gaining independence in 1960.
After independence, it remained linked to France through economic, military, and
cultural agreements
ECONOMICAL
PERSPECTIVEE
Since the decolonization of Africa in the 1960s, France has maintained close
economic ties with its former African colonies. Trade relations are significant,
particularly in the areas of oil, minerals, and agricultural products. France is also a
major investor in Africa, particularly in the energy, telecommunications,
infrastructure, and finance sectors.

However, these economic relationships

are often criticized for their lack of
transparency and for the conditions
imposed by France, which keep some
African countries in a state of economic
dependence. Tensions also persist over
the issue of recognizing war crimes and
returning cultural property

Page 05
 MOROCCO
Since Morocco's independence in 1956, France has been one of the
Page 06 country's main economic partners. Trade between the two countries
has increased over the years and France is Morocco's largest supplier
of goods and the second largest customer after Spain. The most
collaborative economic sectors are agriculture, automobile industry,
aeronautics, tourism, and renewable energy.
However, trade imbalances persist and some sectors, such as
fishing, have experienced tensions.

ALGERIA
Since Algeria's independence in 1962, economic relations between
Algeria and France have been complex and have experienced ups
and downs. In 1963, the nationalization of Algerian oil and gas
industries broke economic relations between the two countries.
However, economic relations were restored and strengthened over
time, and France is now Algeria's leading trading partner.

MALI
France is one of the main economic partners of Mali. Commercial
exchanges between the two countries have increased in recent
years. The main products exported by Mali to France are cotton, gold,
livestock, and agricultural products, while the main products
imported by Mali from France are petroleum products, manufactured
goods, machinery, and equipment.
However, economic relations between Mali and France have been
affected by political and security instability in the country in recent
years, leading to a decline in investments and trade exchanges.
POLITICAL Page 07

ISSUES
Political issues between France and its former colonies in Africa have
been intertwined, with military interventions often leading to diplomatic
tensions between France and African governments.
Indeed, France's military presence in Africa has been criticized by some
African leaders and activists as a form of neocolonialism, which
perpetuates French control over the region and undermines the
sovereignty of African nations.
On the other hand, French military personnel have been accused of
committing human rights abuses. These allegations have led to diplomatic
tensions and strained relations between France and some African
governments.
France has deployed thousands of troops to the Sahel region of West
Africa to combat terrorism and extremism, which has led to concerns
about mission creep and the potential for civilian casualties.
 MOROCCO ALGERIA MALI
France and Morocco have faced The political relationship between The diplomatic relations between Mali
Algeria and France has been complex. and France have been strained
several political issues in recent times.
Although, France has historically since February 2020 when the
The reduction in the number of Malian ambassador complained to
visas granted to Moroccan maintained a favored position in
France about the behavior of
Algerian foreign relations, Algerian
travelers by the French French soldiers in Mali.
leaders have always asked for
government. In September and October 2021
French financial and technical
The Moroccan authorities were when the Malian Prime Minister
assistance. criticized France's decision to
accused of hindering the return of
Economic ties, particularly related withdraw its military force from
their citizens who were in France
to oil and gas, have persisted Mali.
illegally.
despite political tensions. In January 2022, the Malian
France's proximity and
But the issue of Algerian government ordered the French
relationship with Algeria, a
emigration to France has been a ambassador to leave the country
traditional rival of Morocco, have within three days.
persistent source of agitation.
also contributed to the tensions In September 2022, the interim
Despite these challenges, efforts
between the two countries. at bilateral rapprochement have Malian Prime Minister harshly
criticized the French government at
helped to improve French-
the United Nations, accusing them
Algerian relations in recent years.
of betraying Mali.
Page 08
 Page 09

SOLUTIONS
THE END
Page 10