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Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese Army is continuing its investigations and will later announce any information that does not affect the confidentiality of the investigation
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: It has not yet been determined whether the detainees belong to ISIS or another organization
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Around 10 people of different nationalities, including Lebanese nationals, were detained
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese army arrested a number of people in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon with possession it has not disclosed
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: We have strong indications that there are martyrs, injuries, and trapped people in the Salah al-Din area
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Citizens should avoid Salah al-Din Street because anyone who approaches it is at risk of being directly targeted
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Reality is that there is a very limited retreat of the vehicles, with the occupation forces providing cover undeer fire up to Salah al-Din Street
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Claims that the Israeli occupation has withdrawn from areas in the neighborhoods of al-Zaytoun, al-Tuffah, and al-Shujaiya are false
Hamas: The two delegations stressed that any negotiations must lead to the achievement of our people's goals and aspirations, foremost among which is ending the war and the complete withdrawal of enemy forces
Hamas: A delegation from the Hamas leadership, led by the head of the leadership council, Mohammad Darwish, met with an Islamic Jihad delegation, headed by its Secretary-General, Ziyad al-Nakhalah

The demise of Françafrique: Libération

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Libération
  • 7 Aug 2023 14:22
3 Min Read

In a report for Libération, Serge July explains the factors contributing to the downfall of the neocolonial relationship between France and Africa.

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  • Supporters of Captain Ibrahim Traore protest against France and ECOWAS in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 4, 2022 (AP)
    Supporters of Captain Ibrahim Traore protest against France and ECOWAS in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 4, 2022 (AP)

The concept of Françafrique was introduced in the Gaullist "decolonization" era as an alternative to the preceding era of direct colonialism.

In a report for Libération, Serge July explains that Françafrique describes the neocolonial relationship between France and its former African colonies.

This system which was legitimized under the guise of "decolonization" allowed France to exploit its former colonies while granting them the facade of autonomy.

France's Waning Influence

The writer argues that the neocolonial arrangements that once boosted French influence in Africa are facing challenges.

Over the past decades, China has emerged as a formidable economic force in Africa, eclipsing France, the United Kingdom, and the United States combined. This shift in economic power has led to France's commercial marginalization in the continent, forcing a reevaluation of its role and approach to Franco-African relations.

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One of the most contentious issues in the relationship between France and some African states is the use of the CFA franc ( Communauté Financière Africaine).

Fourteen African countries continue to use this currency, which requires them to deposit hard reserves with the French Treasury. Critics argue that this arrangement perpetuates elements of colonial control, as these states are deprived of their monetary sovereignty. The push for economic autonomy is fueling calls for rethinking the entire monetary framework. 

Militant Hotbeds in the Sahel 

Amid the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region and the rise of terrorist hotbeds, French military presence in the region are facing challenges.

Following a November 2019 French helicopter crash in Mali that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers, Macron overreacted and urged West African leaders to make an immediate flight to France. Conversations about the traces of colonialism frequently bring up memories of these incidents. Anything that reminds people of colonial practices is detrimental to African public opinion.

Read more: Niger braces for ECOWAS deadline; no signs of giving in to threats

Moreover, recent events, such as the military coup in Niger, are sparking discussions about a possible shift in public sentiment toward French presence in Africa.

While coups and protests may have immediate reasons, they are framed in the broader context of the rejection of the historical ties between France and its former African colonies. The legitimacy and support for French involvement are under question, and African populations are demanding greater autonomy and agency in shaping their futures.

Read more: Niger junta revokes military deals with France

  • Africa
  • France
  • Colonialism
  • neo-colonialism

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