Macron names special envoy to African countries with French military bases

Jean-Marie Bockel, the minister for cooperation under former president Nicolas Sarkozy, has been named special envoy to Africa.

Senator Jean-Marie Bockel (L) and court of appeal prosecutor Remy Heitz (R) arriving at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris on 7 May 2022, to attend the investiture ceremony of Emmanuel Macron as French President. AFP - LUDOVIC MARIN

According to a letter obtained by RFI, Jean-Marie Bockel's mission will be to support Senegal, Côté d'Ivoire, Gabon and Chad as part of the evolution of French military presence in these countries. 

They are the last remaining African countries where France still has a military presence.

Djibouti, in East Africa, will not be part of Bockel's mission. 

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Bockel early on Tuesday.

According to the letter of appointment, Bockel will be in charge of “changing the status, format and tasks of French bases in Africa".

• Macron vows era of French interference in Africa is over

Bockel is known for announcing the end of ‘Françafrique’ in 2008, a term used by historians to describe the relationship between Paris and its former colonies on the continent.

The annoucement cost him his position as minister for cooperation under Sarkozy.

On 25 November 2019, Bockel's son, Lieutenant Pierre Emmanuel Bockel, was killed in Mali during a helicopter crash as part of Operation Barkhane.

France has been forced to reduce its military presence in Africa over the past three years following a falling-out with the new authorities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

• France calls for postponed Senegal vote to be held 'as soon as possible'

Bockel  is expected to submit his first recommendations to President Macron in July.