France’s minister for Francophonie, Éléonore Caroit, has defended Paris’s continued role in Africa while warning that Russia is actively engaged in manipulation, disinformation and political interference across parts of the continent, according to reporting by El País as cited in The Times UK. Her remarks come amid shifting geopolitical influence in Africa, where multiple global powers are competing for strategic and economic footholds.
Speaking after returning from a high-level Africa-focused summit in Nairobi, Caroit said France remains a major investor and partner in many African states, even as its influence has declined in parts of the Sahel region. She argued that while France has withdrawn from countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso following military coups and strained relations, its broader presence across the continent continues to expand in cooperation with African governments.
Caroit stressed that Russia’s activities in Africa differ fundamentally from those of other global actors, accusing Moscow of pursuing destabilisation strategies linked to wider geopolitical objectives, including its war in Ukraine. She said Russia is engaged in a “battle of disinformation and interference,” not only against France but also against other Western countries, using political influence operations and regional instability to advance its interests.
By contrast, she described the roles of countries such as China, India and Turkey as primarily economic and developmental, noting that African states are increasingly seeking diversified partnerships rather than exclusive alignments with former colonial powers. This diversification, she said, reflects a more balanced and pragmatic global environment, even as it intensifies competition among external actors.
According to El País reporting highlighted by The Times UK, Caroit rejected the idea that France has lost relevance in Africa, instead describing the situation as a transformation of relationships away from a post-colonial framework toward more equal partnerships. She said France remains committed to investment in sectors such as infrastructure, urban planning and education, arguing that cooperation must be mutually beneficial rather than framed as aid or charity.
Her comments also addressed broader tensions over Europe’s fragmented approach to Africa, warning that disjointed policies risk weakening collective European influence. She called for a more unified strategy to development and international cooperation, suggesting that coordinated efforts would have greater impact than competing national initiatives.
Caroit acknowledged that historical colonial relationships continue to shape perceptions of France in parts of Africa, but said these issues must be addressed openly and without taboo. She pointed to recent initiatives aimed at cultural restitution and institutional reform as part of efforts to rebuild trust with former colonies.
The interview also touched on ongoing diplomatic challenges in North and West Africa, including strained relations with Algeria and evolving political dynamics in regions such as the Sahel and New Caledonia. Caroit said France aims to reduce tensions and pursue dialogue while respecting the sovereignty and political choices of local populations.
She concluded that the future of France’s role in Africa depends on adapting to a multipolar global environment where influence is no longer defined by historical ties alone, but by cooperation, investment and the ability to deliver tangible development outcomes.
