Paris invests in 'media presence' in Africa, ME, East Europe
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The report notes that the France Media Monde group's budget will increase by 6.7% next year.
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French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech after visiting the Marine Museum, in Paris, Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 (AP)
The French newspaper Les Echos reported that the French foreign ministry will invest $5.5 million in French media in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
The newspaper reported that all platforms that fall under France Media Monde media group (including RFI radio station, France 24 broadcaster) will be receiving subsidies from the government to develop its hubs and initiate new projects in the three regions.
The report notes that the France Media Monde group's budget will increase by 6.7% next year.
The France Media Monde media group is set to launch an RFI service in Ukraine next year and plans to open an office in Beirut to strengthen its presence in the Arabic media.
In light of deteriorating relations with Russia following the war in Ukraine, the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza, and the anti-colonial military juntas in Africa, France seems to be concerned about its soft power in these regions.
Read more: France to host int'l conference for Gaza, 'Israel' not invite
Earlier this month, Intelligence Online reported that France is exploiting the Cyprus resort of Paphos to host an interception facility and a secret surveillance facility directed at the Middle East.
Troops were reportedly deployed by France's military intelligence service, the DRM (Direction du Renseignement Militaire) in an attempt to reinforce its interceptions for the SIGINT base in the Cyprus resort of Paphos, to extend its coverage.
On Mount Olympus, radomes and antennae are providing the French the chance to eavesdrop on the intense radio communication in the region.
Read more: As anti-French sentiment grows, France forced out of 4 African nations
