https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230828/france-rejects-any-paternalism-but-also-any-weakness-in-africa-macron-says-1061690895.html
France Rejects 'Paternalism' and 'Weakness' in Africa, Macron Says
France Rejects 'Paternalism' and 'Weakness' in Africa, Macron Says
Sputnik Africa
In his speech, Macron touched on post-coup Niger, whose residents have repeatedly staged anti-French demonstrations since the ousting of President Bazoum in... 28.08.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-08-28T15:53+0200
2023-08-28T15:53+0200
2023-08-28T17:27+0200
situation in niger after military coup
france
niger
west africa
neocolonialism
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mohamed bazoum
economic community of west african states (ecowas)
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France eschews paternalism but also a show of weakness in its African policy, French President Emmanuel Macron told his ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace.Macron added that the weakness shown over past coups in the region had "fueled regional sentiments" and brought about "an epidemic of coups in the Sahel."In this vein, the leader urged the countries of the region to "adopt a responsible policy" towards Niger and pledged France's support.Elaborating on the situation in Niger, Macron said that the French ambassador to the country remained in his post even though the coup leaders demanded his departure.Macron pointed out that "the putschists are the main problem of Niger" because they refuse the assistance offered by France to "fight terrorism, economically favorable policies and lose international financial aid."On Friday, Niger's Foreign Ministry declared French Ambassador to Niamey Sylvain Itte persona non grata and demanded the diplomat leave the country within 48 hours, an ultimatum that expired on Sunday.In response, the French Foreign Ministry said that the coup leaders are not entitled to require the French envoy to leave Niger because "the ambassador's agreement was issued solely by the legitimate authorities of Niger."According to media reports, on Monday morning, Nigerien authorities cut off water and electricity to the French Embassy in Niamey and banned food delivery there.In late July, Niger's military announced that they ousted the country's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. Leaders of most countries, including France, as well as the regional organization ECOWAS, condemned the coup.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230817/niger-its-official-end-of-francafrique-according-to-former-austrian-minister-1061402084.html
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france, niger, west africa, neocolonialism, emmanuel macron, mohamed bazoum, economic community of west african states (ecowas)
France Rejects 'Paternalism' and 'Weakness' in Africa, Macron Says
15:53 28.08.2023 (Updated: 17:27 28.08.2023) In his speech, Macron touched on post-coup Niger, whose residents have repeatedly staged anti-French demonstrations since the ousting of President Bazoum in July, demanding that Niger's former colonial ruler end its military presence in the country.
France eschews paternalism but also a show of weakness in its African policy, French President Emmanuel Macron told his ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace.
"Neither paternalism nor weakness we need, because otherwise we're nowhere," the president lamented.
Macron added that the
weakness shown over past coups in the region had "fueled regional sentiments" and brought about "an epidemic of coups in the Sahel."
In this vein, the leader urged the countries of the region to "adopt a responsible policy" towards Niger and pledged France's support.
Elaborating on the situation in Niger, Macron said that the French ambassador to the country remained in his post even though the coup leaders demanded his departure.
"France and its diplomats have been confronted in recent months with particularly difficult situations in certain countries, whether in Sudan, where France has been exemplary, or in Niger at this very moment, and I salute your colleagues who are listening from their posts," he declared turning to the ambassadors.
Macron pointed out that "the putschists are the main problem of Niger" because they refuse the assistance
offered by France to "fight terrorism, economically favorable policies and lose international financial aid."
"We must not give in to a narrative used by the putschists which would consist of saying 'our enemy has become France'," Macron remarked.
On Friday, Niger's Foreign Ministry declared French Ambassador to Niamey Sylvain Itte persona non grata and demanded the diplomat leave the country within 48 hours, an ultimatum that expired on Sunday.
In response, the French Foreign Ministry said that the coup leaders
are not entitled to require the French envoy to leave Niger because "the ambassador's agreement was issued solely by the legitimate authorities of Niger."
According to media reports, on Monday morning, Nigerien authorities
cut off water and electricity to the French Embassy in Niamey and banned food delivery there.
In late July, Niger's military announced that they ousted the country's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. Leaders of most countries, including France, as well as the regional organization ECOWAS,
condemned the coup.
