Former colonial power declares an end to involvement in Africa

(RT) ⸻ French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that the era of French dominance over its former colonial possessions in Africa is over. He has promised to reduce Paris' military footprint on the continent, as its relations with a number of regional countries recently went into a tailspin. He has also addressed concerns voiced by the Gabonese opposition, who see his visit as a way of supporting President Ali Bongo. Macron's remarks come after earlier this week he said that Africa would see a "noticeable reduction" in France's military presence, but these policies should not be viewed as "a withdrawal or a disengagement" but rather as "adapting an arrangement" with French allies. In recent months, France has experienced several diplomatic setbacks in the region, including Burkina Faso officially scrapping the military assistance agreement with Paris, and France also withdrew its troops from Mali after massive protests erupted against the presence of the former colonial power.