France promotes new relationship with continent

The document analyzes the transition of French foreign policy in Africa from 'la Francafrique'—characterized by personal ties to corrupt elites in former colonies—to a strategy of 'partnership' between equal nations. This shift involves a move toward multilateralism through the European Union and a strategic pivot toward new markets and power-brokers, specifically South Africa. Key drivers for this change include the 'Abidjan doctrine' on economic governance, the devaluation of the CFA franc, and a desire to move beyond a relationship driven by colonial guilt. The text highlights South Africa's role as France's leading economic partner in Africa, noting cooperation in military training in the Central African Republic and nuclear energy projects involving the company Areva.

• France has transitioned its engagement with Africa from a defensive posture aimed at protecting colonial spheres of influence to a strategy focused on economic and financial considerations and multilateralism via the European Union.
• President Nicolas Sarkozy sought a 'rupture' with 'la Francafrique', the traditional policy of maintaining personal ties with corrupt elites in former colonies, in favor of a 'partnership' between equal nations and the concept of 'Eurafrique'.
• France's military strategy has shifted from direct unilateral intervention to supporting African-owned processes and indirect assistance, though it maintains agreements to defend countries from external aggression.
• South Africa has become France's primary economic partner in Africa and a strategic intermediary, with cooperation spanning military training in the Central African Republic and nuclear energy through the company Areva.

APA

Chevallier, R. (2008). France promotes new relationship with continent. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/research/france-promotes-new-relationship-with-continent/

Chicago

Chevallier, Romy. France promotes new relationship with continent. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2008. https://saiia.org.za/research/france-promotes-new-relationship-with-continent/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Chevallier |first1=Romy |title=France promotes new relationship with continent |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=2 March 2008 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/france-promotes-new-relationship-with-continent/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{chevallier2008france, author = {Chevallier, Romy}, title = {{France promotes new relationship with continent}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2008}, month = mar, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/france-promotes-new-relationship-with-continent/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }