Since the independences, Africa’s French-speaking part is France’s sphere of influence – in which is conducted a policy, guided by principles established in the 1960’s and never modified since then. What have been, during two presidential mandates, the orientations and principles of France’s African policy? A policy that remained the exclusive domain of the President, but has been influenced by a couple of advisors in charge of African affairs. A policy that remained faithful to the principles defined by the General de Gaulle. And eventually, a policy that changed somehow with the local and international upheavals of the last decade.