There is no doubt that France is facing challenges in West and Central Africa. There are many reasons for this: coups in West Africa and protests directed against France, which is still seen as a colonial power and against the remnants of colonization (the presence of French troops, the Franc CFA, and so on). Above all, it was undoubtedly a mistake for France to act too authoritarian, not listen enough to the people in the region, and keep corrupt and incompetent rulers in power against the will of the population.