Afrique-France : Faut-il évacuer les bases militaires ? | Ces idées qui gouvernent le monde
LCP - Assemblée nationale・34 minutes read
African countries are showing anti-French sentiment amid military coups, questioning the need for French military bases in the region and highlighting complex terrorism issues beyond just jihadist movements. There is a push to rethink French security issues in Africa and collaborate with African partners for a revised presence, amidst a changing geopolitical landscape involving China, Russia, and African nations.
Insights
- African countries are increasingly expressing anti-French sentiment and distancing themselves from France due to military coups, with over 200 coups occurring in Africa since the 1960s, prompting a reevaluation of the necessity of French military bases in the region.
- The discussion on terrorism in Africa extends beyond jihadist movements, encompassing communal militias, political rebellions, and corruption issues, with a call to prioritize broader issues like education and healthcare over security responses, highlighting the complex mix of factors influencing the situation.
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Recent questions
Why are African countries distancing from France?
African countries are distancing from France due to anti-French sentiments arising from military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This shift questions the necessity of French military bases in countries like Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, Djibouti, and Chad, leading to debates on evacuating these bases. The discussion revolves around Africa's security needs and changing global dynamics, prompting a reevaluation of French military missions in the region.
How does terrorism impact Africa?
Terrorism in Africa is complex, involving various groups with different agendas beyond jihadist movements. The fight against terrorism extends beyond armed groups to communal militias, political rebellions, and corruption issues. Terrorism is viewed as a doctrine that spreads through ideas and demands, affecting different countries but with limited significance. The presence of French military bases in Africa aims to cooperate with local states to combat terrorism, although the effectiveness of this cooperation is debated.
What are the root causes of terrorism in Africa?
The root causes of terrorism in Africa are attributed to economic failures, structural adjustment programs, and the recruitment of young people by traffickers due to job scarcity. Aminata Traoré argues that these economic challenges contribute to the rise of terrorism in the region, emphasizing the need to address underlying issues such as education, healthcare, and social problems to combat extremism effectively.
How does France view its military presence in Africa?
France's military presence in Africa is primarily driven by protecting its own interests and power, with minimal consideration given to African interests, according to General Clément-Bollée. The lack of communication about the benefits of French military presence in Africa to African nations has led to misunderstandings and anti-French sentiments. Efforts have been made to couple French military presence with building African standby forces to support African sub-regions in developing their security capabilities.
What is the future of French security in Africa?
The future of French security in Africa involves a reevaluation of French military missions in the region, emphasizing the importance of understanding African interests and the changing global landscape. Collaboration with African partners for a revised presence is crucial, as highlighted by Colonel Roger Kuitche. The discussion calls for a more mutually beneficial relationship between France and Africa, considering African interests and involving African nations in security initiatives for a sustainable and effective security strategy in the region.
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Summary
00:00
African countries question French military presence
- Many African countries are showing anti-French sentiment and distancing themselves from France due to military coups, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
- Gabon experienced a regime change through a coup without anti-French feelings.
- Over 200 military coups have occurred in Africa since independence in the 1960s.
- The shift from Françafrique to anti-France sentiment questions the need for French military bases in countries like Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, Djibouti, and Chad.
- The discussion revolves around whether these military bases should be evacuated, considering Africa's security needs and the changing global dynamics.
- Terrorism in Africa is complex, involving various groups with different agendas beyond just jihadist movements.
- The fight against terrorism in Africa is not solely about armed groups but also includes communal militias, political rebellions, and corruption issues.
- Terrorism is seen as a doctrine that spreads through ideas and demands, impacting different countries but with limited significance.
- French military bases in Africa have been reduced in recent years, with around 6,000 soldiers spread across Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Djibouti, Niger, and Chad.
- The presence of French bases in Africa aims to cooperate with local states to combat terrorism, but the effectiveness of this cooperation is debated.
17:30
French Intervention in Africa: Terrorism and Beyond
- France intervened in Mali during the Hollande presidency to combat terrorism, specifically targeting jihadists who allied with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb after the assassination of Colonel Gaddafi.
- The situation in Africa involves a complex mix of factors beyond just terrorism, including postcolonial issues, diversity among African nations, and conflicts between different jihadist groups.
- General Clément-Bollée suggests that the focus on terrorism in Africa has overshadowed broader issues like education, healthcare, and social problems, leading to an overemphasis on security responses.
- Niagalé Bagayoko emphasizes that terrorism in Africa affects populations more than civilians in cities, with jihadist insurgencies extending beyond the Sahel region.
- Aminata Traoré argues that the root causes of terrorism in Africa lie in economic failures, structural adjustment programs, and the recruitment of young people by traffickers due to job scarcity.
- Colonel Roger Kuitche highlights the need for a reevaluation of French military missions in Africa, emphasizing the importance of understanding African interests and the changing global landscape.
- France's military presence in Africa is primarily driven by protecting its own interests and power, with minimal consideration given to African interests, according to General Clément-Bollée.
- The lack of communication about the benefits of French military presence in Africa to African nations has historically led to misunderstandings and anti-French sentiments.
- General Clément-Bollée recalls efforts to couple French military presence in Africa with building African standby forces, aiming to support African sub-regions in developing their own security capabilities.
- The discussion highlights the need for France to establish a more mutually beneficial relationship with Africa, considering African interests and involving African nations in security initiatives.
34:01
Reevaluating French Presence in Africa: A Call for Change
- In the months following, calm ensued after addressing the question of French soldiers' presence in Africa.
- The coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were accompanied by anti-French sentiments.
- The rejection of France's foreign policy in Africa is more about questioning the system's ineffectiveness.
- France is criticized for its inability to contain jihadist insurgencies and its questionable alliances with regimes.
- The feeling of rejection towards France in Africa is fueled by perceived moralizing and paternalistic discourse.
- Africa should rebuild its policy without France, breaking military and economic ties.
- African countries are envious of the support given to Ukraine in fighting terrorism.
- The sentiment against French military bases persists despite the absence of Françafrique.
- The historical context of French bases during the Cold War is crucial to understanding their presence.
- There is a call to rethink French security issues in Africa and collaborate with African partners for a revised presence.
50:34
"Changing Geopolitics in Africa: Partnerships and Shifts"
- Antoine Glaser predicts cohabitation of different partners, including Russia's involvement in Libya through Wagner supporting Marshal Haftar, similar to France, highlighting opportunistic partnerships in African states.
- Niagalé emphasizes the shift in Africa's geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape, with China and Russia playing roles in business and security due to France's withdrawal, making Africa a geostrategic hub for raw materials.
- Aminata Traoré discusses the changing world dynamics, mentioning walls instead of a borderless world, while Antoine Glaser criticizes France's historical arrogance in Africa and advocates for a shift in approach towards African interests.
- Niagalé Bagayoko addresses the rejection of France and other multilateral actors in Africa, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of security strategies amid the Sahel crisis, thanking the participants and the LCP team for the insightful conversation.
