Macron addresses crisis in Sahel, calls for strengthening French diplomacy

During a major foreign policy speech to ambassadors gathered in Paris on Monday (28 August), French President Emmanuel Macron said his country refuses any “paternalism” but also any “weakness” in Africa, as the Sahel faces an “epidemic of putsches” amid a wave of anti-French sentiment.
In his speech, Macron called for a strengthening of France’s diplomatic efforts as the international community faces new challenges, most recently in Niger, where the French ambassador is still in post despite an ultimatum from the ruling military. The French president confirmed that the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, was listening in from capital Niamey despite being given a 48-hour deadline to leave the country last Friday (25 August). “Neither paternalism, nor weakness, because otherwise we’re nowhere,” he told French ambassadors gathered at the Elysée Palace, calling on Sahel countries to have a “responsible policy” in this area.
“Our international order is being challenged,” said Macron, specifically referring to “war (that) has returned to European soil, anti-French sentiment is rife, fueled by anti-colonialism or a perceived anti-colonialism that a double standard is being employed.” The world order is changing, with the situation getting “tougher” and “more complicated”, said Macron, warning that this runs the risk of “weakening the West and our Europe in particular”. The French president also hailed the work of French diplomats who “have faced particularly difficult situations in some countries in recent months, from Sudan, where France has been exemplary, to Niger at this very moment,” reiterating that “our policy is clear: we do not recognize the putschists.” Macron’s words came as the European Union on the same day expressed its “full support” for the French envoy in Niger, after the soldiers who seized power in the country demanded his departure.