Macron's Cameroon visit will bolster Biya

Significance

Macron’s choice of Cameroon marks a shift in his African approach compared to his first term in which he was highly critical of Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s treatment of opposition figures and human rights record.

Impacts

• The visit, along with Macron's trip to Benin, may set the stage for French rapprochement with Gabon and Togo.
• Closer French ties to authoritarian governments in West Africa could aggravate regional anti-French sentiment.
• Biya will likely avoid seeking assistance from Wagner mercenaries as this would jeopardise his Western security ties.