French Renaissance Forts in Africa
By: Fearghal Fitzgibbon
Tags: France, Architecture, War, Military, History

French Renaissance Forts in Africa

Vauban’s designs updated for 21st-century warfare

Example of French base at Meneka. Image source: War Bible.

There is a theory that some people subscribe to that state's history is cyclical. It’s been around since ancient times when it was believed that civilisations inevitably went through a cycle of dark and golden ages, collapse and growth. While it remains just a theory, it is interesting to see concepts and ideas from times past reused in modern days.

A sterling example is the type of forts built by the French military this year in Mali. The French military has been deployed to the region as part of the fight against terrorist groups affiliated with Daesh and Al Qaeda. Part of France’s commitment in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger), the forts draw heavily on designs and principles exported directly from the early modern period of history.

Star forts

The star fort design was developed during the Renaissance as gunpowder weaponry became more prevalent throughout Europe. Traditional high walled castles were increasingly vulnerable to cannon fire. Sieges that would have taken weeks or months could now be finished in days.

Another major issue with the traditional circular or square tower design was that it provided cover for attackers who managed to reach it. This area, where the defenders could not fire at them, became known as a dead zone.

Turrets and bastions were extended into diamond point shapes which meant that attacking infantry had no shelter, even when they reached the walls. The new designs ensured that attackers would be exposed to fire, no matter their location. These interlocking fields fire guaranteed there were zero blind spots. It also provided a more difficult target for artillery as cannon fire was likely to glance or ricochet off the angled walls.

Interlocking fields of fire for a star fort. Image source: Norbiton.

Mali

The French military is well aware of the history that they are drawing from. Colonel Michel, a spokesperson for the Barkhane task force in Gao, was interviewed by the French Ministry of Defense last July and had this to say.

“The star fort is a revival of old concepts that are well known to the French Army. But it was the subject of a joint study with the FAMa, benefiting from their knowledge of the enemy and the terrain. As partners, we have shared our experiences to develop this new concept of the fort. This camp demonstrates a common will to put strong and visible structures on the ground, capable of showing to the population and to the terrorists the will of the FAMa to take root in the landscape. It will also be a sign of future settlements since it’s a model that will hopefully be developed throughout [eastern Burkina Faso, southwestern Niger, and southeast central Mali]”

The French forts might seem anachronistic but they are built on solid mathematical principles and are highly effective. They eliminate blind spots and allow defenders to return fire from protected positions. They can also be built with limited building materials. A combination of trenches and walls filled with sand or dirt is all that is needed. This is of especial importance in the arid climate where they are currently being used. The forts built so far have predominantly used local materials that are readily available.

The French forts in Mali have been described as built in the Vauban style. A prominent French military engineer from the 17th century, his designs built on earlier Renaissance models and today are some of the best-known examples of star forts. Other forms of bastion or star forts can be found across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Example of French base at Labbezanga. Image source: War Bible.

The French bases represent an increasing military commitment to the Sahel. Operation Barkhane has been in action since 2014 but these fortifications are a recent development. It’s hoped that they will be a model copied throughout the region, not just in Mali. Labbézanga’s bastion fort has been handed over to Malian forces (Forces Armées Maliennes) and specific training provided as to how best utilise the fortification. A base on its own is useless and should be a staging point for patrols and reconnaissance.

In many ways, the forts are a historical throwback much in the same way that a large French military presence in Africa is. It will be interesting to observe their effectiveness in the coming months. Their success could result in the design being replicated across the continent.