Macron on 'new era' for France in Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to reduce the number of French troops in Africa under a “new security partnership” with several nations and to roll out more ambitious economic policies.

Macron called for the opening of a “new era” during his speech at the Elysee presidential palace, ahead of an ambitious trip on Wednesday to Gabon, Angola, the Republic of Congo and Congo.He said France must move away from interfering in parts of Africa that it once ruled as a colonial power. He promised a “new security partnership” with reduced numbers of French troops on the continent.Macron said French military bases won’t be closed but will instead be transformed based on needs expressed by African partners.