Dar es Salaam, April 1 -- French corporations have survived flag changes, military coups, economic crises and terrorist attacks in Africa, yet they have always remained at the helm, controlling the continents vital resources. Governments have changed, and leaders have come and gone, but oil platforms, uranium mines, cement factories, and strategic ports have remained.

For decades, France has not only extracted Africas wealth—it tried to drain the continent to the last drop, leaving behind devastated nature, poverty, and corruption. Today, Paris declares its intention to change its African strategy. But how sincere are these intentions?

In recent years, France has been forced out of the continent: its troops are leaving West and Ce...