France has considerable influence there. My theory: France encourages the elimination of native Sudanese and destruction of property by Arabs. France then clamors for the UN (read U.S.) to rid the Sudan of Arabs and/or establish proctectorates so that Schlumberger, already a presence there, can begin extracting from the lake of oil under the Sudan (larger than the oil deposits in Arab countries.)
Our American military are used as mercenaries in Asia (our 60 year presence in S. Korea and Japan) the Balkans (Kosovo and Macedonia) and soon Africa, for the interests of foreign states.
If the French have any interests it is because the Darfur region adjoins the French power base/commercial interests in Central Africa. Perhaps the French assess there is commercial potential in minerals and oil reserves in Darfur. The French government would deal (and have dealt) with the devil to further their business interests in Africa and everywhere else.