French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on Monday the significant importance of the strategic partnership signed between France and Morocco in recent weeks, describing it as a pathway to implementing Paris’s new approach toward Africa and reshaping France's image on the continent.
Macron's remarks came during his annual address to French ambassadors at the Élysée Palace, where he shifted focus to discuss France's relations with Africa. He acknowledged the mistakes committed by France in several African countries during the colonial era.
In this context, Macron underlined France's efforts and dialogue initiatives with several African countries, such as Algeria and Cameroon, aimed at addressing historical wrongs and building new relationships with African nations. He highlighted Africa's importance on various levels for Paris and the cultural and historical ties that bind the two sides.
To showcase a positive model of bilateral relations between France and African countries, Macron specifically referred to Morocco. He stated, "One of the great achievements we managed to secure in the past few weeks with His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Morocco is the signing of a partnership that spans decades to come," alluding to the strategic partnership signed in Rabat during Macron's state visit to Morocco in late November.
Macron described this strategic partnership as "unprecedented," stating that it "will pave the way for implementing France’s new approach in Africa." He added, "There will be joint Moroccan-French projects across Africa. It is a new approach to building closeness with Africa and offering a new image of France."
Macron’s statements reflect a desire by Paris to mend its tarnished reputation in Africa, which has suffered in recent years due to the emergence of new African regimes calling for an end to French presence in the region. This sentiment stems from France's numerous and significant colonial mistakes in past decades.
Additionally, many African countries have expressed rejection of the hierarchical nature of their relations with France and have called for more equitable partnerships. This comes as countries like Russia, China, and the United States actively pursue mutually beneficial ties with African nations, offering alternatives to traditional partnerships.
