French foreign policy in the Sahel region is continuously making headlines as Sahelian civil society, opposition groups and some governments voice their disapproval of the former colonizer’s policies and involvement in national politics. The state of France, since the wave of independence in the 1960s, maintained close relations with its former colonies, which have been ever-evolving and a subject of international debate. Today, the state of France and various Sahelian states are caught in a cycle of negotiations where one side seeks to maintain historical dominance, and the other seeks political autonomy. In pursuing this, Sahelian states are negotiating with the French state who has much to lose by giving the autonomy sought after.
There are three key voices in the dynamics of the French presence in the region: the French state, the Sahelian states, and the general population. This forms a social and political triangle in which the voice of the population is often ignored. Silencing this voice results in protests against national governance and French foreign policy. Protest is perhaps the only way the local population can ensure that their country leaders and furthermore the state of French can hear their voice.
The main discussion forums on this matter often involve only French and Sahelian officials. Knowing the voices on the ground denounce the adverse effects of French foreign policy yet discussing it with the ones authorizing these policies does not seem to yield any tangible results. African states and their populations must first and foremost agree on their position on the issue of Franco-Sahelian relations. The work starts at the national level, presenting their opinion as one voice, thus stressing sovereignty and coherence.
Sahelian states cannot and should not only discuss with the state of France. In international affairs where national interests are fundamental, the state of France will do what it must keep theirs. Sahelian states, in seeking their national interests, should reconsider who to bring to the discussion table as you cannot always discuss your problems with the one seen as the instigator.
Deborah M Ndjerareou
We Write Afrika 
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