France’s Policy in the Sahara-Sahel Region: The End of Operation Barkhane and the Quest for a New Approach

This article explores France’s strategy towards the Sahara-Sahel region in the aftermath of the Operation Barkhane . Based on the postulates of neoclassical realism and the method of comparative analysis, this study reveals the extent to which the plans declared by the French leadership are consistent with the practical steps taken by Paris in the region. It is noted that France’s policy in this direction is usually associated with the neocolonial concept of “Françafrique,” which seeks to maintain implicit control over former colonies through various means, particularly military ones. Like all his predecessors, President Emmanuel Macron has been criticized for pursuing this policy, yet he has tried to adapt it to the evolving circumstances. In this regard, the article addresses the research question about the degree of continuity in France’s Africa policy at the present stage. On the one hand, it examines the efforts of the French leadership to break the deadlock of Operation Barkhane by implementing a comprehensive “3D” approach. However, the simultaneous efforts on the military, diplomatic and humanitarian tracks only fueled anti-French sentiment, while failing to ensure peace across the Sahel. On the other hand, the article examines the new strategy presented by Emmanuel Macron shortly after the start of his second presidential term. The latter implies a joint management of military bases, enhancing France’s public image and deepening economic ties. However, most of these announcements lack some practical steps and have not prevented the further weakening of French positions, as evidenced by events in Niger during the summer of 2023. The article concludes that a negative continuity still prevails in the African policy of the Fifth Republic, which means the extension of the crisis and an inability to stop it. Overall, this situation is likely to persist until the end of Macron’s presidency, with an increasing number of countries expected to leave the French sphere of influence.