Africa / Double-dealing in French-speaking Africa: France’s foreign policy behind the scenes
The actions of France in Gabon, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger highlight the double game it is playing in Africa. Last weekend, the French ambassador to Gabon, Alexis Lamek, visited the Presidential Palace at the request of the President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. This visit raises questions about France’s position towards the powers that be in French-speaking Africa.
However, an entirely different situation arose in Niger. Sylvain Itté, supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, refused to accept an invitation from the new authorities in Niamey, arguing that they were illegitimate and that France did not recognise them. The difference in treatment between Niger and Gabon is striking.
In Gabon, there is no doubt that a coup d’état took place, with the military overthrowing a democratically elected regime, the results of which had been validated by an electoral institution.
Yet France’s reaction has been lukewarm and sparing in condemnation. This attitude highlights a clear bias on the part of Paris and the European Union in the power grab in Libreville.
This raises the question of the legitimacy of coups d’état in French-speaking Africa.
It seems that there are «legitimate» coups and «illegitimate» coups, depending on who is carrying them out and what their motivations are.
In particular, when soldiers seek to reclaim national sovereignty and put an end to colonial agreements and the plundering of resources by the former French coloniser, their actions seem to enjoy a certain indulgence on the part of France.
This variable-geometry approach on the part of France shows that it is prepared to support regimes in power as long as they serve its interests, even if this means turning its back on democratic principles and the aspirations of the African people for genuine independence.
It is time for France to clarify its position and priorities in French-speaking Africa, in order to foster more equitable and transparent relations with its former colonies.
Neil Camara
