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Fearful of being kicked out of Africa, French senators write to Macron

By Janna Kadri
Source: News Websites
8 Aug 2023 14:52
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In the letter published by Le Figaro, the senators state that the idea of being described as nostalgics for Françafrique is an aberration that merely served to conceal France's failures and setbacks.

Banner reads "France must leave" during anti-France protests in Niger (AFP)

On Tuesday, Senators LR Roger Karoutchi, Bruno Retailleau, and Christian Cambon wrote an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron that was signed by 94 parliamentarians from various political backgrounds, calling for a review of France's policy in Africa.

In the letter published by Le Figaro, the senators state that the idea of being described as nostalgics for Françafrique is an aberration that merely served to conceal France's failures and setbacks in its diplomatic policy in Africa.

The letter states that the failure of Operation Barkhane was in great part the reason why France and its economic, political, and military presence are now rejected in those countries, namely Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Central African Republic.

Wagner PMC has come to replace France's strategic role in peacekeeping operations, the letter states, adding that Russia's success is owed to the assistance they provide to dictators and leaders that hold on to power on the basis that they manipulate the anti-colonial narrative.

At this point in the reading of the letter, it is important to consider two factors: First, given the immense military capabilities of the French, it is a deductive observation to argue that the failure of Operation Barkhane was intentional. France has never had any intention of truly restoring peace in Africa because doing so would strengthen Africa, and a strong Africa goes against the interests of the French capitalist class. Secondly, the allegation that African "dictators" manipulate the anti-colonial narrative to grab onto power is a subtle way to threaten the popular bases that support these leaders -- that if they do not fall back into submission to France, the peoples of Africa will be faced with consequences.

The Senators in the letter express their fear that France's role is being further undermined where anti-French sentiments are spreading in countries that are "reputedly close to us," such as the Ivory Coast or Senegal - two of the French empire's longest-occupied former colonies.

The letter criticizes Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for being "deceitful" towards the French when one time he appears friendly and the next he evokes the "Great Satan" that is France. This hot and cold approach is pushing many French officials to question the 1968 agreements, "which no longer make any sense," the letter states.

It is worth recalling that France has never asked Algeria for forgiveness over the 1.5 million Algerians who were massacred in the struggle for Algeria's independence.

"Today, the Françafrique of yesterday has been replaced by military Russafrique, by economic Chinafrica or by diplomatic America. And what about, unfortunately, the regression of the Francophonie in relation to the English language?" the letter asks, pleading for France to be restored to its former colonial glory.

Shifting the blame towards the President, the letter continues: "Mister President, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Senate, and the entire Senate during a debate on French policy in Africa, alerted you in the spring."

"Isn't it time to review our vision of Africa and its link with France?" it asks, "you have had the intention, on several occasions..."

The letter concludes by calling the African continent a "friend" that is no longer understanding of France and is contesting further and further its role and presence in African territories.

In a final and ambitious tone, the letter ends with: "For our part, we are not resigned to our gradual disappearance from the entire continent."