Despite Macron’s efforts, political power and economic market share is being lost to China, Russia and Turkey
“Symbolically and politically, this situation marks a strong decline for France, and unfortunately ... there’s a risk things will deteriorate,” he told France Inter radio.
French prosecutors last year charged at least nine members of the Bongo family after a 15-year investigation into allegations they bought high-end properties in Paris and elsewhere with money from Gabon’s oil wealth. Its continued military presence in the Sahel, the region south of the Sahara where French troops intervened a decade ago to push back Islamist insurgents at the request of the Malian government, has also become a sore point.Although Macron said the end of Operation Barkhane last year and began withdrawing troops, France still has 2,500 soldiers in the region, down from 5,000 in 2020, and many residents see them as having overstayed their welcome.
Afolabi Adekaiyaoja, analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development think tank in Nigeria, acknowledged Macron’s efforts to recalibrate the relationship with the continent but said the stain of colonialism still affected how France was perceived, particularly by the younger generation. “If they don’t want us there we can’t stay and that’s that,” he said. “We have to start over from scratch, and cultivate a more varied relationship based on economic activity, cultural exchanges and soft power.”
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Irish Times view on the coup in Gabon: part of a worrying trendIn three years there have been nine military takeovers in west and central Africa, the latest, in oil-rich Gabon, came only weeks after Niger
Read more »
Electric Picnic 2024 Capacity To Be Increased Despite Farmers' ConcernsThe date is also changing, for one year only, from early September to mid-August, to accommodate a specific artist.
Read more »
Neville highlights major Man Utd concern despite 'encouraging' Hojlund debutFormer Manchester United defender Gary Neville was enthused by Rasmus Hojlund's debut, but is concerned that the young striker will solely be relied upon for goals this year
Read more »
Jesse Lingard failed move to DC United explained despite Wayne Rooney talksFormer Manchester United player Jesse Lingard is still without a club after his time at Nottingham Forest came to an end following just a single season with the team
Read more »
Kevin Hart & Mark Wahlberg film passes Netflix landmark despite reviewsKevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg's movie delivered both actors their worst rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it has just passed a Netflix landmark.
Read more »
John Gilligan leaves Spanish court a free man despite drug and weapon confessionThe pint-sized criminal was handed a fine and suspended prison sentence by a Costa Blanca judge after admitting to smuggling cannabis and powerful sleeping pills into Ireland and being the owner of a weapon found hidden in the back garden of his Costa Blanca home.
Read more »