French interventionism in African countries often faces accusation of postcolonialism. Although President Hollande announced that France would build equal relations towards African states, he decided to intervene in Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR). Contributing to understandings of France's Africa policy, this thesis compares the legitimization discourse of French military operations in Mali and the CAR. It provides new findings by examining postcolonial legitimization strategies as well as contrasting strategies based on equal partnership through a qualitative content analysis.

Jasmin Auerbach completed her master's degree in Political Science at the Leibniz University Hannover. Her research focus is peace and conflict studies.