It is a passionate relationship that sometimes turns to hatred. Between Africa and France, it's “I love you, me neither”. And right now, the old Hexagon is being stuck in the limelight by many other suitors. But what especially marks observers is the paradox between the image of France in Africa and the way the French think they are perceived. "France is very present in Africa, we have a long-standing relationship which is at the same time sentimental, cultural, military, economic, diplomatic ... And yet our image recedes every year", notes the deputy chairman of the French Council of Investors in Africa (CIAN).
France, which is usually seen so beautiful, is falling year after year
Bitterness is there. And French arrogance seems to have given way to some questioning. “We should seriously question ourselves,” says CIAN. For the third time, the organization delivers a barometer on the image that 2 opinion leaders from 400 African countries have of foreign countries but also of the benefits generated by partnerships with foreign powers. And France, which usually sees itself as so beautiful, is falling year after year. By losing one place in the barometer ranking each year, France risks seeing all the other countries pass in front of it in the coming years.
Lhe anti-French sentiment is not new on the continent
In 2020, the United Kingdom had overtaken France. This year, it is Japan which outclasses Paris. And for the 2022 edition, the games seem already done: Turkey, ranked just behind France, will certainly have no trouble getting ahead. At this rate, imagine the rest. Especially since anti-French sentiment is not new on the continent. We have seen it again in Senegal, Mali and in so many other countries. But above all, Paris does not seem to understand the issues at stake here. Blue-white-red companies may make 60 billion euros in turnover in Africa and create many jobs, France is definitely not succeeding. Unlike Ankara, which has implemented effective soft power for the past fifteen years. Perhaps it will take a real questioning, on the side of Paris. Otherwise, France will definitely disappear from Africa.