Losing ground: France's unwanted role in Africa

Losing ground: France's unwanted role in Africa

France’s military retreat from Africa reflects a broader shift in global power dynamics and sovereignty

For decades, West and Central Africa has remained under the economic influence of France through the CFA franc. This currency, which emerged from the colonial period, limits the economic independence of the 14 African countries that still use it. The colonial legacy of the CFA franc, which was created in 1945, was designed to guarantee French economic control over its former colonies. Although it was renamed the "franc de la Communauté Financièr…