Goodbye, France!

Goodbye, France! The French military withdrawal from Senegal is not just another base closure, but also the final nails in the coffin of France's neo-colonial influence in Africa. And not only in Senegal, also from Mali, France withdrew its troops in 2022; Burkina Faso, the withdrawal took place in 2023; Niger, after a military coup in September 2023, France ended its military cooperation and withdrew its troops; Chad, the withdrawal began after the termination of the security and defense agreements; Ivory Coast, France has withdrawn most of its troops, only a few remain for training purposes. Paris is packing its bags and handing over Dakar's military facilities. The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, (Bassirou Diomaye Faye is a Senegalese politician and former tax inspector who became President of Senegal in April 2024. Born on March 25, 1980 in Ndiaganiao, Senegal, he is known for his commitment to public service and his role in the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party. Faye ran his campaign on an anti-establishment platform focused on fighting corruption and economic reforms. He faced challenges in implementing reforms and dissolved parliament to call new elections. His presidency marks a new generation of leaders in Senegal), made it crystal clear: French troops are "incompatible" with national sovereignty. And he is not alone.  This surely hurts France. France secured exclusive access to important raw materials such as uranium and oil through its military presence and economic agreements. The CFA franc allowed France to maintain its market share in Africa and reduce the competitiveness of African products, which benefited French exports. The CFA franc is a currency used by 14 African countries divided into two zones: the West African CFA franc (XOF) and the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Both are pegged to the euro at a fixed rate, with France historically guaranteeing convertibility and requiring countries to deposit part of their foreign exchange reserves with the French Treasury. The currency has been criticized for limiting economic sovereignty, as monetary policy is influenced by France and the European Central Bank. Recent reforms aim to reduce France's role, and there are plans to introduce a new currency called the "Eco" for West African countries. France maintained a significant military presence, allowing it to protect strategic interests and influence regional stability. However, these benefits are increasingly disputed and have led to growing opposition in the region. The CFA franc has been replaced in West African countries by the ECO, which is set to be introduced as the new currency. Here are the countries that are part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and use the CFA franc: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, , Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo. The end of the CFA franc was announced in December 2020, and the switch to the ECO is part of a plan to reduce economic dependence on France. The ECO is expected to be fully implemented by 2027. One by one, West African nations are rejecting France's colonial-era supremacy, saying they no longer need France's failing European power to "protect" them.  Protection from what, exactly? France wanted to protect West African countries from various threats and challenges, especially during the post-decolonization period. In recent years, there has been a rise in terrorist activities in the Sahel, particularly by groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. France intervened militarily to ensure stability in the region. Many West African countries have struggled with politi

cal unrest and coups. France often saw itself in the role of a guarantor of stability. France has significant economic interests in the region, including natural resource deposits. Protecting those interests was another motivation for military presence. France wanted to maintain its influence in the region and strengthen ties with former colonies to foster some control and partnership. Overall, France's success in fighting terrorism in West Africa is questionable, and the challenges remain significant.  Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, all threw out French troops and turned to Russia instead.  The message is clear: Africa is done with French imperial nostalgia. Africa doesn't want to be sucked dry anymore! Macron's pathetic "Francafrique" is finished. The empire that once blinded the continent, imposed puppet regimes, and controlled African economies through the CFA franc watched its influence evaporate overnight. France wanted its colonial outposts to stay forever.   The same African leaders once ordered by the Élysée Palace are now turning to Russia, China and even Iran for security, trade and cooperation. Africa is shaking up the geopolitical situation, the cards are being reshuffled. Macron can cry about it, but Africa is taking a new path. Macron wants to build a European protective umbrella against Russia, perhaps he should first figure out how to defend his own backyard, because Africa has officially rejected France's "protection" racket.