"For the time being, political instability has not led to the departures of French companies," declared Etienne Giros, president of the Conseil Français des Investisseurs en Afrique (CIAN, or the French Council of Investors in Africa), who set apart the case of the Central African Republic: "After years of investment, they can't decide to close down so easily, especially as we're not in a Russian-style scenario with expropriation phenomena," he added, pointing out that the sentiment is more "anti-French politics than anti-French." As of Thursday, August 3, French companies are trying to continue their activities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and, since July 26, Niger, where resentment towards France is growing.
Many of France's flagship companies have long-established roots in these countries. In total, France currently has around 200 companies or subsidiaries in Mali, 45 in Burkina Faso, 30 in Niger, and around 10 in the Central African Republic. TotalEnergies, for example, has confirmed that it has been operating in Burkina Faso and Mali through its network of service stations for many years (starting respectively in 1954 and 1976).
CMA-CGM also operates in Niger, although its presence is minor compared to other countries, given the absence of ports. Alongside the shipping company, the following companies also operate in the country: Sogea-Satom (Vinci), Veolia, Nutriset (which has decided to leave the territory), and, of course, the Orano nuclear group. Likewise, Africa Global Logistics – the brand that encompasses Bolloré's activities acquired by the MSC group – is one of the few French companies, along with Orange, that has kept a foothold in barge transport in the Central African Republic.
This week, Air France decided to stop all outbound flights to Niamey, although the company confirmed that the decision is by no means a definitive one. As proof, Air France has continued to operate to Mali and Burkina Faso, with a daily flight to Bamako and flights to Ouagadougou maintained five times a week. "There were some stoppages during the unrest, but since then business has resumed as normal," said a spokesperson for the company. Expatriates remain on site, although for security reasons their total numbers have not been disclosed.
This support, however, is not a given. "When their projects continue to be financed by donors such as the European Union or the World Bank, and they are sure of being paid, French companies continue to go there," emphasized Medef International. "But they are asking themselves a lot of questions about the need to continue once their work is completed," added the same source.
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