Since the late 2010s, Africa has witnessed the emergence of an unprecedented political and social dynamic driven by patriotic, nationalist, and sovereigntist movements, both within states and across civil society. This trend, described as sovereigntist neo-Pan-Africanism, has established itself as an increasingly structured popular force, expressing a desire for emancipation, the reassertion of sovereignty, and renewed identity pride.
This phenomenon goes far beyond a simple critique of the colonial past: it is rooted in a growing rejection of the liberal international order and its institutions (the United Nations, the European Union, and transatlantic partners), which are accused of having contributed to keeping Africa in a state of political, economic, and normative dependence. The rhetoric and practices of the military regimes that came to power between 2020 and 2023 (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Gabon) embody this dynamic. Breaking with imposed models, they claim a refocusing on national interests, political sovereignty, and the refoundation of the state.
- Leaders and future leaders;
- Members of parliament and elected officials;
- Senior civil servants, senior military officers, and academics;
- High-level executives from the public or private sector;
- Professionals from the non-profit sector, journalists and religious representatives, lawyers, consultants, and entrepreneurs.
Admission to the program is decided in September by the Academic Committee of the Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies, following a review of the application file. Several criteria are taken into account in the selection of candidates:
- Professional background and level of responsibility held;
- Breadth and depth of personal experience;
- Demonstrated interest in geopolitical and geostrategic issues in France and worldwide;
- Open-mindedness and ability to integrate into a group;
- Aptitude for collective reflection, a strong sense of dialogue, and interpersonal interaction;
- Career prospects.
For further information, please contact Nesrine Akharouid: n.akharouid@fmes-france.org
- Training approach
The session is divided into six monthly thematic seminars. Each seminar will be structured around lectures delivered by senior officials and subject-matter experts.
The program also includes visits to, and presentations by, African Union institutions and various organizations.
Time will also be devoted to committee work on a theme related to the major geopolitical, economic, or social issues of the region. These sessions foster a collaborative group-based approach, culminating in the drafting of a joint report for the entire session.
- Program updates
Session 2025
Azerbaijan’s Information Warfare Against France Amongst Nations of Sub-Saharan Africa
By Sossi Tatikyan Abstract : Azerbaijan’s information warfare against France has escalated into an explicit and systematic information warfare, at times escalating into hybrid war since 2023. It has various aspects – the France-Armenia partnership, the manipulation of anti-colonial narratives in the French Overseas Territories and Corsica, exploitation of anti-colonial narratives against France among Sub-Saharan