African leaders revel in largesse while people live in poverty (Corrupt ties to France explored)

The Telegraph (U.K.) ^ | July 16, 2008 | Henry Samuel

[Stoat]

 

Private jets, Bugatti cars, a shark-filled aquarium and enough bank accounts to paper the new luxury yacht - the extraordinary capacity of some African leaders and their families for apparent self-enrichment has been laid bare in a French lawsuit over allegedly stolen state money.

Following an inquiry last year by the French fraud body OCRGDF, an anti-corruption campaign group has accused a string of African politicians of plundering vast sums from the often struggling economies of their countries.

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The richest parts of France are teeming with homes, cars, boats and other expensive baubles belonging - in practice, at least - to tropical Africa's political elite.

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"There is still resistance in Europe to pursuing African clans (through the courts)", said William Bourdon, a lawyer from an international network of legal experts called Sherpa. "But one day their estate will have to be returned to African citizens," he told Libération newspaper.

Since the time of Charles de Gaulle, the "African cell" of the Elysée has kept close, often shadowy ties with Francophone African leaders known as "la FrançAfrique".

Personal ties between French and African leaders bound Paris to friendly regimes which were given protection in exchange for political allegiance, votes at the United Nations and deals with French firms that were lucrative for all sides.

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Before his election, President Nicolas Sarkozy indicated he wanted to distance himself from long-time dictators like Mr Bongo, calling for a "healthier relationship" with Africa.

But he appears to have changed his tune, sidelining a minister who declared FrançAfrique "dead". Mr Bongo was a guest at the Elysée palace last week.

[Stoat]

...AfricaWinsAgain

Excellent, although depressing essay; thanks very much for posting.

I hope that everyone will read it.

[Chode]

bingo...