Successive French leaders dating back to Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s have viewed western Africa as very much within their rightful sphere of influence. They have used the French language ...

The study highlights that France has suffered a significant decline in influence across its former sphere ... Africa, a loss that has severe diplomatic, security, and even economic repercussions ...

“For these countries, it’s about sovereignty,” Francophone Africa ... From the French language and a common currency among former colonies to phone networks and baguettes, the influence ...

The announcement is part of a seismic shift in France’s decades-long presence across francophone Africa ... s seen French troops withdraw or be expelled from its former sphere of influence ...