'An indispensable critical analysis of la Franēafrique. It makes for pleasant and entertaining reading, at times witty and even ironic. An essential contribution to our understanding of the strange, almost incestuous relationship between a former Metropole and its erstwhile colonies.' * Filip Reyntjens, Emeritus Professor of Law and Politics, University of Antwerp, and author of Modern Rwanda: A Political History * 'One of the most poorly understood phenomena of modern statecraft is the system known as Franēafrique whereby successive French governments maintained an active role in the affairs of former African colonies after independence, occasionally for good, but usually not so much. What is most remarkable about its recent dénouement amidst the expulsion of French diplomats and military forces from a succession of West African states is that the edifice endured for as long as it did. With his customary combination of verve and polemic, Gérard Prunier lifts the veil on eight decades of geopolitical myth and reality. Even those disagreeing with his conclusions will find the bracing arguments thought-provoking.' * J. Peter Pham, Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, Former US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and Sahel Regions of Africa * 'A masterful critique of French colonial and foreign policy in Africa: an expansive tale of imperial overreach and arrogance that spans countries and decades with unique confidence and wit. Prunier's historical narrative weaves together high (and low) politics, skullduggery, and eyewitness anecdotes into a kaleidoscopic exposé of France's reluctant decolonisation of the continent, by turns sobering, farcical, and tragic - but always hopeful.' * Matt Bryden, Co-founder and Strategic Adviser, Sahan Research, and former Horn of Africa Director for the International Crisis Group *
