Diplomatic dip for France as African nations seek out stronger partners

French diplomacy in Africa weakened considerably in 2023 as former allies steered their foreign policies elsewhere in the wake of military coups and general political upheaval. A new law making it harder for foreigners to immigrate to France has compounded matters. French interests in Africa face monumental challenges in 2024 – especially following the toppling of leaders in Niger and Burkina Faso – which, like Mali, are former French military strongholds in the restive Sahel region.A lengthy pa