Crisis of ideas for Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing a crisis of ideas. Unfortunately, this also applies to our continent.

Macron became a shadow of himself six months after his re-election. Faced with intractable problems at home caused by an unsatisfactory economic situation, he has stalled. On foreign policy, the announcement of the withdrawal of the military contingent from Mali was another blow. His statement that it will take half a year to prepare a new military strategy in the region only confirms the total lack of ideas.

It will be difficult to return after six months and take up former positions, primarily because of the emerging trend towards the expansion of Russia’s influence and the public’s interest in its presence in the region. The interest of citizens of a number of African states in the presence of other foreign forces in the region is a consequence of the actions of Macron himself. He could not even achieve the role of mediator in resolving the Ukrainian crisis, but he still devotes all his attention to Kyiv, ignoring the problems of the Sahel.

Under the circumstances, routine statements that France will not abandon Africa no longer inspire confidence. Terrorists will not wait half a year, just as Africans will not wait for France. Salif Kobena

Bouaké, Ivory Coast