Senior French Representative
Colonel Xavier Collignon is the senior French representative to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies since August 2008. As a Marine Officer he has acquired vast experience with Africa, ranging from academic periods to combat missions, in addition to cooperation with African militaries. Colonel Collignon’s 25 years of service has led him to Africa numerous times, including operations inside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and most recently Chad. Other assignments have included service in the former Yugoslavia at Sarajevo 1994-1995. Staff Positions have included a tour with the Army Press information center in Paris in 1996-2000, being the Chief of Operations of the 5th Marine Regiment in Djibouti from 2001 to 2003, and Chief of Crisis Response Cell “Cote d’Ivoire” in Paris, France from 2003 to 2006. His most recent assignment prior to coming to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies was as Commanding Officer of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment from 2006 to 2008.
Colonel Collignon is a graduate of the French Military Academy of St. Cyr, receiving his commission in 1986 as a lieutenant in the French Army. He is also a 2000 graduate of the Army Staff College, and a 2001 graduate of the Joint Staff College.
Colonel Collignon’s decorations include the Legion of Honor (chevalier), the Order of National Merit (chevalier), the “Ordre du 27 juin” from Djibouti (officer), the Cross of Military Valor with two stars, bronze and silver, as well as the National Defense Medal “échelon Or” with a bronze star.