France – Africa / The decline of French influence in Africa: Coup d’état in Gabon and the quest for continental sovereignty
A military coup is currently underway in Gabon, triggered by the announcement of the results of the presidential elections, which saw Ali Bongo, a French ally, win. This situation reflects a decline in French influence in Africa, where France seems to be losing its battle for influence.
We are witnessing a major turning point in the relationship between France and Africa, with many African countries seeking independence.
After Mali, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic and Niger, Gabon is the latest country to be hit by a coup d’état, signalling a trend that could spread to other ECOWAS countries.
French President Emmanuel Macron has clearly warned West African countries to take military action in Niger to avoid a similar situation.
It is clear that these successive coups d’état are being planned by the military to regain control of their country’s destiny in the face of imperialism and consequently to break French influence in Africa.
France, engaged in a rhetoric of official confrontation with African countries aspiring to sovereignty, finds itself at odds with popular support for new leaders seeking sovereignty for their countries.
The only opportunity for France to maintain its position could lie in a protest movement against its current leaders, sensitive for their arrogance and inordinate personal ambition, who include Emmanuel Macron, Olivier Véran, Gabriel Attal and Gérald Darmanin.
Neil Camara
