France seeking to re-boot its diminishing neo-colonial influence in Africa

France has been seeking to re-boot its diminishing neo-colonial influence in Africa, ignoring the voices of most Africans who want to see an end to the negative influence of former colonial powers in the continent.

Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron said he wanted a "rethink”’ the country’s military postures on the African continent and had asked his ministers and army chiefs to work on it.

Also last month, Macron claimed Paris would support Africa's need for security as he embarked on a three-nation tour aimed at renewing France's relations with the continent.

France has followed with concern the emergence of Russia, China and others in seeking footholds in an area it still considers part of its sphere of influence.

African nations that suffered under French colonial rule still remember France's colonial- era crimes, despite the passage of decades since their independence from Paris.

A new report by historians reveals that France bears “overwhelming responsibilities” over the 1994 genocide in Rwanda that killed about 800,000 people and was indirectly complicit in the massacres.

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