Macron: 'New era' in economic, military strategy in Africa

Macron said French military bases won't be closed, but will be transformed based on needs expressed by African partners

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to reduce the number of French troops in Africa under a “new security partnership” with the concerned nations and to roll out more ambitious economic policies, in a bid to boost France's waning influence in the continent.

Mr. Macron called for opening a “new era” in a speech at the Elysee presidential palace, ahead of an ambitious trip on Wednesday to Gabon, Angola, the Republic of Congo and Congo.

Mr. Macron said France must move away from interfering in parts of Africa that it once ruled as a colonial power, saying the continent is no longer its “back yard.”

“There's another path," he said: “Addressing African countries as partners with whom we share interests and balanced, reciprocal, accountable responsibilities.”

He promised a “new security partnership” with reduced numbers of French troops on the continent.

Mr. Macron said French military bases won't be closed, but will be transformed based on needs expressed by African partners.

“Our model must not be anymore military bases like those we have now," he said. “Tomorrow, our (military) presence will go through bases, schools, academies, which will be jointly managed” by French and African staff.