Posted on 09/02/2023 8:47:23 AM PDT by Navy Patriot
...Western countries—and especially France—as having conspired to keep Africa in a permanent state of subordination. Such is the prevailing view in Niger, which was ruled by France until 1960 and where France stationed a large contingent of counterterrorism forces as part of a deal with the previous government. The view is also widespread in ex-French colonies across the Sahel, where many people have grown disillusioned with civilian governments they see as subservient to France and therefore welcome military rulers as a necessary corrective.
This perspective has two complementary facets, one critical of France and the West and one welcoming of Russia, which has positioned itself as an adversary of the West and an ally of formerly colonized African countries. Both strains are gaining ground in the Sahel, manifested in Niger’s coup as well as half a dozen others that preceded it in the region. These sentiments are rooted in righteous anger at France’s continued sway over its former colonies and its counterterrorism policies in the Sahel, which have failed to deter the spread of jihadi movements across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, in particular. France had partnered with the governments of each of these countries to fight terrorists before they were overthrown.
(Excerpt) Read more at foreignaffairs.com ...
Well, if true, this can’t be good...
https://tribuneonlineng.com/niger-govt-signs-contract-for-construction-of-bida-minna-roads/
Oh yeah, da white man always trying to keep da black man down.
As an aside, success is NEVER possible until a person takes responsibility for his own failures.
Another Victoria Nuland disaster for the neocons.
here a Niger, there a Niger, everywhere a Niger Niger Niger
I hope France has enough yellow vests and white flags
So far the only ones complaining are the local equivalents of BLM and Antifa.
Africans willing to make an honest living have no problems.
The Yellow Vests are a sign that France treats it’s own citizens like it treats Africans in Africa.
I recommend Simon Murray’s book, Legionaire, about his five years in the French Foreign Legion. He covers the time in the late 50’s/early 60’s. You’ll read about the Legion’s counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism efforts in Algeria and why France fought so hard to keep it but ultimately gave it up. You’ll read about the brief mutiny of the FFL’s 1st Parachute Regiment. (Murray was in the 2nd, so he mostly conveys the rumors swirling around and sketches some of the players of the event.) And finally why he left. (His life after that is fairly legendary on its own.) Lots more material about training, the characters he encountered, the fun he occassionally had, and a few hair-raising scrapes.
...All to say that is a good starting point for those that know nothing about France’s post-WW2 role in Africa, are interested in it, but don’t know where to begin. From their you can follow France’s history in other works but it will provide a backdrop and reference point for further reading from the POV of one at the business end of France’s role in Africa.
Not really. Left to themselves, African societies tend to be brutal and shambolic. To get around that, Western governments and companies have a variety of ways to satisfy their interests in Africa’s resources and strategic location. Naturally, the Africans resent that, but with rare and limited exceptions, when given the chance, Africa’s elites make a mess when they get full control of their own countries. Africans know that and flee if they possibly can.
Dien Bien Phu was called “The Last Battle of the SS” because of all the former SS folks in the Legion.
History tells us that when African nations become self-governing, the people suffer.
interesting comment in light of the Fact that THAT is exactly what they are trying to do. they can’t take responsibility if no one will let them.
Sheeeiit!
As history tells us that when any nations become self-governing, people suffer.
The question is: which people suffer, where, and whom administers the suffering.
Thanks, Brady!
The West is too busy trying to get World War 3 started to worry about Africa - so Russia and China will inherit that continent.
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