What is Françafrique? The taboo word that reveals the shifting influence of France in Africa

By: Christophe Premat, Stockholm University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 5, 2025

Words: 1,211

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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The term “Françafrique” describes the political, economic and military networks built to preserve French influence in Africa. It refers to a past era but many believe that it still shapes relations between France and its former colonies today.

The word was popularised by French economist, historian and activist François-Xavier Verschave in his 1998 book Françafrique: The Longest Scandal of the Republic. He used it to condemn a neocolonial system …

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