Macron: ‘New era’ in economic, military strategy in Africa

By SYLVIE CORBET
The Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to reduce the number of French troops in Africa as part of a “new security partnership.” He also said Monday he wants to roll out more ambitious economic policies, in a bid to boost France’s waning influence in the continent. Macron made a speech at the Elysee presidential palace before he begins an ambitious Africa trip on Wednesday to Gabon, Angola, the Republic of Congo and Congo. He called for opening a “new era” in efforts to counter as France’s declining influence on the continent. French troops have had to withdraw from Mali, opening the door to Russian military contractors, and recently exited Burkina Faso which also appears to increasingly look towards Moscow.