► Listen live to Emmanuel Macron’s speech followed by our special edition by clicking here
2019 Looted Assets and Aid Announcements
This Monday, February 27, 2023 Emmanuel Macron must set out “its priorities and its method for deepening the partnership between France, Europe and the African continent”, the Elysée previously explained.
The head of state could also hint at how Paris is considering developing its military presence on the continent while the French army has been forced to withdraw The Mali And Burkina Fasowhere it has been involved in joint counter-terrorism operations.
This speech comes before a tour of the French President in four Central African countriesbetween March 1st and 5th: Gabon, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In 2019, Emmanuel Macron presented his political vision for the African continent at the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina, before speaking again at the Africa-France Summit in Montpellier in 2021.
By appearing in front of 800 Ouagadougou faculty students with unfiltered questions in 2019, Emmanuel Macron wanted a break. His announcements that day: return of the plundered inheritance, increase in development aid.
Nonetheless, when asked about the CFA franc and the presence of French forces in Africa, the French President put himself in continuity and, in passing, saluted his predecessor François Hollande.
Referring to the heads of state who remain in power, Emmanuel Macron said: “I don’t want to teach a lesson. »
After the pandemic, Emmanuel Macron tried again to show this image of a modern president. By debating with the new generation at the Africa-France Summit in Montpellier.
► See also : Africa-France summit, “President Macron, we are waiting for him at the turn”
But actually it is very difficult to change direction. While a blogger called on France to “ask the African continent for forgiveness”, Emmanuel Macron replied: “I don’t believe in a politics of forgiveness but in a process of common commemoration. »
A political stance to which was added the strong diplomatic pressure from Russia and the arrival of the paramilitary group Wagner on the continent. As a result, anti-French sentiment has increased.
The security issue has become central: the end of Barkhane, the withdrawal of the special forces from Burkina Faso. Now, amidst the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is the continent’s states that are calling for a break.
► Also to listen: Withdrawal of the Saber troops from Burkina Faso, what are the effects? (The African Debate)
In July 2022, Beninese President Patrice Talon apostrophized his French counterpart in Cotonou: “Our men must be well trained. Acquiring equipment is problematic in the face of global tensions. Emmanuel Macron replied: “At the security level, we will be there. »