The head of the junta in Burkina Faso stated on Monday that Emmanuel Macron had «insulted all Africans» in remarks where the latter denounced the «ingratitude» of certain countries towards France, sparking widespread anger across the continent.
« I think we were forgotten to be thanked. It doesn't matter, that will come with time. Ingratitude, I am well placed to know, is a disease not transmissible to humans », the French president had stated in particular last week regarding French military interventions in the fight against jihadist movements in the Sahel.
« He insulted all Africans. (…) That is how this gentleman views Africa, views Africans. We are not human in his eyes », reacted Captain Ibrahim Traoré on Monday during a New Year greetings ceremony.
Like many other West African countries, relations between Burkina Faso and France have continued to deteriorate since the 36-year-old captain came to power in September 2022.
Burkina Faso, like its neighbours and allies Mali and Niger, which are also governed by iron-fisted rulers hostile to Paris, secured the departure of French soldiers from their territories between 2022 and 2023. At the same time, the three countries have drawn closer to Moscow, much like the Central African Republic, which also demanded the departure of the French in 2022.
An «Outrage for the entire African continent»
Under multiple pressures, or even a cascade of ultimatums, France decided to «reorganise» its military presence in Africa in 2025, but certain countries such as Chad and Senegal had already taken the initiative as early as last November.
Chad, France's last remaining stronghold in the Sahel, has denounced the military cooperation agreement and demanded the departure of French troops by the end of January. Two military bases have already been handed back.
Senegal has also on its side requested the closure of French bases and the end of all foreign military presences, according to a timetable to be defined.
And the two countries, speaking with one voice, criticised the remarks of Emmanuel Macron, who had also claimed that France had graciously granted certain African countries «the privilege of announcing» the reorganisation of its military presence.
« I would like to express my outrage regarding the recent remarks made by President Macron, which border on contempt towards Africa and Africans. I believe he is living in the wrong era », said Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, for his part, had condemned «completely erroneous» remarks and stated that Senegal's decision «stems from its sole will» as a «sovereign country».
« If you want a break with these imperialist forces, it's simple, we denounce the agreements. If we don't denounce the agreements, just saying that they are leaving the (military) bases, we have done nothing », Captain Traoré stated on Monday.
« Africans must wake up. We must work towards being independent. We need to decolonise our minds », he added.
With its back to the wall and pushed to the edges of the continent, France must also gradually withdraw its military personnel from Ivory Coast and Gabon, two countries with which diplomatic relations nevertheless remain cordial.
One last French military base will remain on the African continent, specifically in Djibouti. With nearly 1,500 personnel stationed there, it houses the largest French contingent abroad, and the military agreements binding the two countries were renewed in July 2024.
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