The Duality of France's Attitude Towards African Juntas: A Comparative Analysis of Chad, Gabon, And the Alliance of Sahel States

This paper focuses on the duality of France's attitude towards African military governments. By comparing the situations of Chad, Gabon, and the Alliance of Sahel States, included Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, it explores France's policy choices in different contexts. The study finds that France's attitude differences stem from various factors, including changes in its perception of national interests, the influence of the bureaucratic system, the hierarchy of geopolitical interests, and the strategies of military governments. In terms of national interest perception, French leaders, influenced by democratic values, view democratization as a key interest, yet this perception is intertwined with practical interest considerations. Within the bureaucratic system, countries with close ties to France can affect presidential decisions through interest exchanges. Geopolitically, France is more likely to compromise with important countries like Chad and Gabon. The response strategies of military governments also influenced France's reaction. The study concludes that interests and colonial inertia essentially drive France's Africa policy. The anti-French wave among Juntas reflected the rise of their autonomy.