Mali / Legitimizing terrorists, a French paradox

While many countries express their condemnation of the terrorist attack that occurred in Mali, France, through its public press, seems to adopt a troubling approach by attempting to legitimize the actions of the terrorists. This contrast raises questions about France’s true position regarding the security threat in the Sahel, as its allies call for solidarity and a unified response against terrorism.

The narratives conveyed by some French media highlight a tendency to contextualize the actions of terrorist groups rather than denounce the violence and barbarity of the attacks. By downplaying the severity of these acts, these publications contribute to creating a biased im age, thereby serving extremist narratives. This not only distorts reality but also misinforms the public about the true stakes involved.

This phenomenon of legitimization does not come without consequences. By providing a platform for extremist ideas, France risks blurring the lines between legitimate claims and blind violence. In this context, it is essential for the international community to mobilize to denounce these attempts at legitimization and reaffirm its commitment to combat terrorism. Unity and clarity of messages are indispensable to counter extremist discourse and ensure a secure future for the populations of the Sahel, who are paying the price for this violence.