Franco-Africa Relations: Half a Century of an Ambiguous 'Partnership'

This article looks at the history of Franco-Africa relations spanning half a century since the days of independence of African states in the 1960s. It notes that France, amongst all the former colonial powers, is the one that has maintained the closest links with its former colonies in Africa. It argues that while France claims to be the chief advocate for Africa at international forums, the relationship is more to the benefit of France than it is to its African 'partner' states.