French influence on the African continent is in serious decline. In Mali, in the Central African Republic, then in Burkina Faso, French troops folded the flag and left the scene. In each of these countries, anti-Western propaganda networks are redoubling their efforts to demonize France, and on the contrary to promote the bravery – of course disinterested – of the Russians. In a cartoon broadcast in Mali, emaciated French zombies pose as “Macron’s demons” and want to take over the country. Then come to the rescue of Wagner’s mercenaries, who help the regular army to get rid of them. Explicit to say the least.
“Wagner, therefore Russia, has made France its number one enemy in Africa” lamented Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, in January to our colleagues from LCI. A new geopolitical deal that worries Emmanuel Macron. “This age of Françafrique is over and I sometimes have the feeling that mentalities are not evolving at the same pace as us when I read, I hear, I see that France is still attributed intentions that she doesn’t have, that she doesn’t have anymore” declared the French president in Gabon on Thursday March 2, the first stage of his four-day African tour.
How are certain countries approached by Wagner? What services are actually offered to them? How are these networks of influence articulated on the former French colonies? The anti-French strategy of the Russians in Africa, a long format to discover in video on L’Express.