France’s President Proposes Strategic Expansion for Djibouti Military Base

French President Emmanuel Macron outlines a renewed strategic vision for France’s military base in Djibouti, aiming to strengthen regional security and influence.

Following the withdrawal of its troops from the Sahel region in West Africa, France’s president announced on Friday that its military base in Djibouti might take on a significant role.

Emmanuel Macron stated that it would be “reimagined” as a strategic base for the nation’s operations in Africa.

At present, the base prioritizes the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific over Africa.

Macron characterized the move as a strategic decision that is part of France’s efforts to reorganize its approach toward the African continent.

“Our role in Africa is evolving, which aligns with our intentions because the continent itself is undergoing significant changes driven by shifts in public opinion and governance,” he stated.

“And having made a sovereign decision in February 2023, following several years of gradual change, we chose to rebuild a partnership founded on mutual respect among equals.”

He spoke on Friday following a Christmas dinner with 1,500 French soldiers at their airbase in Djibouti, which has recently renewed its defense cooperation treaty with Paris.

As a result, it hosts France’s largest military contingent overseas.

Between 2022 and 2023, French forces were gradually expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—each of which was under military rule.

Its military forces have started withdrawing from Chad, marking the latest setback to its waning influence in its former African colonies.

Senegal has called for French troops to leave, while their presence is being significantly reduced in Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.