Emmanuel Macron presents this Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Élysée Palace the orientations of his African policy for the years to come, before a tour of Gabon, Angola, Congo and the DRC, scheduled from March 1 to 5. Follow the French president’s speech live then the first reactions and analyzes of RFI guests during our special edition, from 4 p.m. UT (5 p.m. in Paris).
► Listen live to Emmanuel Macron’s speech followed by our special edition, by clicking here
This Monday, February 27, 2023, Emmanuel Macron must expose its priorities and its method for deepening the partnership between France, Europe and the African continent “, explained the Élysée beforehand.
The Head of State could also indicate how Paris is considering the evolution of its military presence on the continent, while the French army has had to leave The Mali And the Burkina Fasowhere she was engaged in joint counter-terrorism actions.
This speech comes before a tour of the French president in four Central African countriesbetween March 1 and 5: Gabon, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 2019, announcements on looted heritage and development aid
In 2019, it was at the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina that Emmanuel Macron presented his political vision for the African continent before speaking again at the Africa-France summit in Montpellier in 2021.
By appearing in 2019 in front of 800 students from the faculty of Ouagadougou, with unfiltered questions, Emmanuel Macron wanted a break. His announcements that day: restitution of looted heritage, increase in development aid.
Asked about the CFA Franc and the presence of French forces in Africa, the French president nevertheless placed himself in continuity, saluting in passing his predecessor François Hollande.
Regarding the Heads of State who remain in power, Emmanuel Macron said: ” I don’t want to lecture. »
Coming out of the pandemic, Emmanuel Macron once again sought to show this image of a modern president. By debating at the Africa France Summit in Montpellier with the new generation.
► See also: Africa-France Summit, “President Macron, we are waiting for him at the turn”
But, in fact, it is very difficult to change direction. While a blogger called on France to ” apologize to the African continent “, Emmanuel Macron, replied:” I do not believe in a policy of forgiveness but in a process of common memory. »
A political posture to which was added strong Russian diplomatic pressure and the arrival on the continent of the paramilitary group Wagner. Consequence: anti-French sentiment has increased.
The security issue has become central: the end of Barkhane, the departure of the special forces from Burkina Faso. Now, in the midst of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is the states of the continent that are demanding a break.
► Also to listen: Withdrawal of the Saber force from Burkina Faso, what impact? (The African Debate)
In July 2022, in Cotonou, Beninese President Patrice Talon apostrophized his French counterpart: “ Our men need to be well trained. With global tensions, acquiring equipment is problematic. “Response from Emmanuel Macron:” From a security point of view, we will be there. »