Gabon/Transition : France’s sarcastic advice to the transitional authorities
France, as usual, has allowed itself to express its opinion, or worse, its advice to the transitional authorities in Gabon, on what is good or not, in the governance of the country. There is an African proverb that says, I quote, « the dog never changes its way of sitting » This proverb aptly describes France’s behavior towards its former colonies.
Interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, especially African countries, is a law for French authorities. When this is not the case, it means that this law has been violated. This is why French authorities do everything to impose their ideas and will on African leaders.
This has been the case for decades or even centuries, and it is still the case today, in the 21st century. In the case of Gabon, French diplomacy in the country allowed itself to tell the transitional president, Head of State, General Brice Clotaire Oligui N’guema, that it is not wise for a military officer to lead the country.
In other words, it would be best to organize elections as soon as possible to hand over power to civilians. And since plain speaking is African, a clear and instructive response was given to the one who thinks he is smarter than others. The transitional president also provided him with a brief history lesson on the politics of his country, France.
He reminded or better, made it known to his interlocutor that France was once led by a military officer, named General De Gaulle, to whom the National Assembly had given 5 years of power without elections. And that it was indeed him, as a French soldier, who made France what it is today. So, contesting the arrival of the military in power in Africa is groundless.
This is clearly stated in a video that has circulated on social media in recent days. Africans are aware and know perfectly well what is best for them and for their countries. It is not for French authorities to dictate their laws to Africans, please, that time is long gone.
