International audienceThe article analyses the transformation of discourse ans practices begun by the Fédération des étudiants d'Afrique noire en France (FEANF ; Federation of Students of Black Africa in France) in France in the 1968 era: its alliance strategies, diplomatic practices and strategies and cultural practices and strategies. It enquires into the fate of FEANF leaders; of those who were not killed or forced into exile, some endede up holding positions of responsibility or even becoming governmental ministers or national president. Alongside quantitative analysis, the article presents some life stories and shows trajectories that in some cases went from a village in the bush to the height of power.L'article analyse les transformat...