Region Sahelu – schyłek dominacji Francji?

Abstract

THE SAHEL REGION: IS FRENCH DOMINANCE COMING TO AN END?

The article analyzes geopolitical shifts in the Sahel region that have led to a weakening of French influence and the growing importance of Russia. This region, formerly part of French West Africa, retained close political, economic, and military ties with the former colonial power after gaining independence in the 1960s. These relationships, often referred to as “Françafrique,” are seen as a controversial form of neocolonial dependency. The failure of the French military operation Serval to combat the jihadist threat in Mali has cast doubt on the validity of France’s military presence, creating space for Russia’s influence to grow. The Kremlin, using tools of propaganda and military cooperation, is gaining the favor of Sahelian states by offering an alternative model of cooperation unburdened by colonial history. The article addresses the reasons behind the erosion of French dominance, the consequences of Operation Serval’s failure, and Russia’s new objectives and tools of influence, suggesting that the Sahel is emerging as an area of intense geopolitical rivalry, with outcomes that could affect the region’s stability.