French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent trip to the Horn of Africa marks a significant moment in France’s efforts to rebuild its influence on the continent. His visits to Ethiopia and Djibouti highlight a pivot toward East Africa after a series of setbacks in West Africa, where French forces were pushed out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger between 2022 and 2023. In recent months, France has also faced reduced military presence in Chad, Senegal, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire, forcing a reevaluation of its African strategy.
Strengthening ties with ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Macron met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss post-conflict recovery and ongoing reforms. He expressed France’s support for the Pretoria agreement, which ended a two-year war in the Tigray region. Macron emphasized the importance of transitional justice and pledged aid for communities affected by the conflict.
During the visit, Macron and Abiy toured the newly renovated National Palace in Addis Ababa, once the residence of Emperor Haile Selassie. The restoration, funded with €25 million from the French Development Agency, transforms the historic building into a public museum. Macron also reiterated France’s commitment to preserving Ethiopia’s cultural treasures, including the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Supporting ethiopia’s maritime ambitions
Macron also addressed Ethiopia’s efforts to gain access to the sea, which have been a long-standing goal for the landlocked nation. He endorsed peaceful negotiations under international law and praised the Ankara Declaration, an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia mediated by Turkey. The agreement sets a timeline for technical discussions on Ethiopia’s sea access, aiming for completion by mid-2025.
Djibouti’s pivotal role
Before Ethiopia, Macron visited Djibouti, where France maintains its largest military base in Africa. He met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and spent time with French troops stationed there. Macron described Djibouti as a critical hub for France’s military operations, particularly after being forced to withdraw from the Sahel region.
A new focus for france in africa
Macron’s visit reflects a broader shift in France’s African policy. With its influence diminishing in West Africa, France is looking to the Horn of Africa as a region where it can maintain strategic relevance.