France's intervention on Ivory Coast (2002-2011): A case of neo-colonialism

A decade of crises has seen France's permanent and multifaceted interferences in the Ivory Coast, which it considers the showcase of Françafrique and the remainder of its neocolonial power. We want to investigate the causes, nature and consequences of French intervention, why it creates an anti-French backlash in society and whether it contributes to conflict resolution in the country. We will also explore how the Ivory Coast-France relationship can be reshaped. After conducting a case study of French intervention in the Ivory Coast between 2000 and 2011 and drawing comparisons from other French interventionisms, we have found that France interferes on behalf of its own economic and geostrategic interests under its strategy of maintaining domination in the former colonies. French intervention neither resolves nor transforms conflict nor contributes democratization and sustainable development of these countries, perpetuating neocolonial dependence on France. We suggest that the international community must not endorse French intervention. A multinational organization must intervene if necessary, and the French role in former colonies must be limited to soft power rather than hard power.