French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Djibouti and Ethiopia from December 20 to 22, marking his second official tour of the region after a 2019 trip. This visit underscores France’s strategic pivot towards East Africa as its influence wanes in the West and Sahel regions of the continent.
Macron will first land in Djibouti on December 20, where he is scheduled to meet President Ismail Omar Guelleh. During his stay, he will visit France’s largest African military base, which houses 1,450 troops. Djibouti’s location in the Horn of Africa has attracted numerous foreign powers, including the United States, China, and Japan, who maintain military bases there. Macron’s visit aims to strengthen ties with this long-standing ally, focusing on defense and economic cooperation, as outlined during his first trip in 2019.
According to The Wall Africa Journal, Macron’s visit is part of a broader strategy to reposition France’s presence in Africa. This includes forging stronger partnerships in East Africa following setbacks in other regions of the continent.
In Ethiopia, Macron is expected to meet national leaders as France seeks to expand partnerships in key East African nations such as Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. France recently announced debt relief for Somalia, reflecting its broader interest in the region. However, the visit comes at a time when France’s influence in West Africa has significantly declined. Countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have severed or drastically reduced ties with France, expelling troops and signaling a rejection of French presence.
Macron’s last African tour was not without controversy. During a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his remarks were criticized as dismissive, prompting calls for France to show greater respect towards African nations. Additionally, France’s involvement in Sudan’s civil conflict has drawn scrutiny.
As France faces mounting resistance in the Sahel and West Africa, its focus has shifted eastward, where it hopes to rebuild influence. However, it remains uncertain how much opportunity East Africa will provide for a country that has seen its presence weaken in other parts of the continent.