France’s rejection in Africa more the result of its policies than disinformation, says report

5 mins

The rupture is expressed even in the choice of words. To explain the recent setbacks of Paris on the African continent, an expression has become established: the “ anti-French feeling “. But in activist networks, this term is rejected, because it is considered vague, biased and used by elites in Paris to minimize criticism of France and its policies.

“ Talk about ”feeling” induces the idea that this criticism would be the expression of a passionexplains Laurent Duarte, former executive secretary of Tournons La Page and one of the authors of the report. This returns – to paraphrase [l’ancien président sénégalais]Léopold Sédar Senghor – to the idea that there would be a black emotion versus a white reason. However, for those interviewed, the criticism of France is well supported by precise facts. »

For the most part of those interviewedthe rejection is expressed against the policy of the France in Africa and not against French citizens, who are never or very rarely targeted directly when they reside in Africa. Furthermore, by using the term “ French » rather than “ France “, this expression implicitly refers to the supposed existence of a ” anti-French racism “.

While the far-right National Rally party continues to make progress on the French political scene, this reversal of the stigma of racism is strongly denounced.

Russian disinformation used by France to avoid being questioned?

Basically, for the participants, this expression of “ anti-French feeling » also refers to the idea that the rupture between France and certain African countries would be largely caused by campaigns of manipulation and disinformation orchestrated by competing powers, in particular the Russia.

The people interviewed in the report do not deny the existence of disinformation campaigns, but the majority believe that Paris is making one “ obsession ”, making Russia “ a scapegoat » to spare yourself a necessary questioning. “ Russian propaganda feeds on the errors of France’s African policy, but it is not at its origin. », write the authors of the report.

Here again, continues Laurent Duarte,“ analyzing these criticisms under the sole prism of a war of influence amounts to denying the capacity of these actors to carry out criticism and therefore reinforces the feeling of humiliation “.

THE ” paternalism and arrogance » by Emmanuel Macron at the heart of criticism

However, this “ humiliation » is precisely one of the criticisms that constantly comes up. The study highlights the main tipping points in opinion regarding Paris since the French president’s arrival at the Élysée. Emmanuel Macron.

Prominently featured is the Pau summit in January 2020, described as the “ paroxysm of paternalism and arrogance » from the head of state. Emmanuel Macron had summoned several Sahelian heads of state to criticize their lack of commitment to the fight against terrorism and demand a “ clarification » about the presence of France. In other words, let them stop the demonstrations against Barkhane.

In terms of security, the study confirms that the withdrawal of Barkhane from the Sahel resulted in a “ very marked disillusionment » on the reliability of France as a partner.

But the main criticism addressed to Paris relates less to its military performance than to its difficulty meeting the needs expressed by its partnersparticularly with regard to the supply of military equipment. For Dan Sanaren, doctoral student at Ceri and one of the authors of the study, the underlying criticism is “ that of a form of paternalism. People say: “The French give us what they want to give you, while the Russians give us what we ask for.” »

Also readFrench policy in Africa: a “massive rejection” among civil society activists

“​​​​​As long as you meet France’s requirements, you are a good democrat »

Among the tipping points, we must also mention the coming to power of Mahamat Idriss Déby At Chad. The presence of Emmanuel Macron at the funeral of Idriss Déby Itno and at the enthronement of his son was perceived “​​​​​as an insult by pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders. This came up in all the debates as a thorny subject “, explains Dan Sanaren. For the researcher, this shows that “​​​​​Chad is well identified as a lock ” And“ a strategic space for French influence in Africa “.

The criticism here is that of a “​​​​​double standards ”, summarized in these words of a participant interviewed in Côte d’Ivoire: “ As long as you meet France’s requirements, you are a good democrat. »

Also readSahel: “Barkhane played the role of amplifier of discontent against France”

A massive rejection of the CFA franc

Unsurprisingly, respondents overwhelmingly reject the CFA franc. Almost 95% of respondents say they desire to get outeven if they do not agree on the best alternative. The currency is “ unanimously considered as an essential marker of sovereignty », explains Laurent Duarte.

This demand for sovereignty, and this desire “ to determine the course of their history ”, is central to the comments expressed by the participants.

Also readExit of the CFA franc: what consequences for the Alliance of Sahel States? (1/2)