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Meeting Summary: France and Africa after the Libyan Intervention

Core Content

This document is a summary of the views expressed by Stéphane Gompertz, the Head of Africa and Indian Ocean at the French Foreign Ministry, during a meeting on 26 October 2011. The focus is on how the Libyan intervention has influenced France's relationship with Africa, particularly in terms of non-interference, crisis management, and security challenges in the region.

Main Views and Key Information

1. Current State of Africa

• Democracy and Governance: There has been improvement in terms of democracy, good governance, and economic growth (around 6% per year).
• Dictatorships: Only two countries, Eritrea and Lebanon, are considered to be dictatorships on the African continent.
• Arab Spring Influence: There is uncertainty about whether the changes in the Arab Spring will have a significant impact on Africa. The question of an "African Winter" is raised, but the exact nature of this influence remains unclear.

2. France's Approach to Non-Interference

• Sarkozy's Stance: In 2008, President Sarkozy emphasized the principle of non-interference in African domestic conflicts and stopped French military involvement in such matters.
• Defence Partnership Agreements: France has signed defence partnership agreements with some African countries, four of which have been ratified so far. More drafts are being sent to other governments.
• Libya and Ivory Coast Interventions: France intervened in both Libya and Ivory Coast, but only after the crisis had escalated, following the 1973 UN Resolution that permits intervention to protect civilians. The decision to wait until the situation became critical was based on moral duty and the need to prevent mass casualties.

3. Handling African Crises

• Encouraging Compromise: France is considering supporting national unity governments as a way to promote compromise in African countries.
• Contested Elections: France has raised concerns about the electoral process in Cameroon (2009), noting flaws and shortcomings, even though they did not affect the final outcome.
• Avoiding Lecturing: France is advised not to lecture African countries on governance and to avoid overestimating its influence on African civil society.

4. Security Challenges in Africa

• Terrorism in the Sahel: France supports efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region. There is a need to address the spread of light weapons and prevent their misuse.
• Algeria's Openness: Algeria has shown a new level of openness to the EU in recent years, which is seen as a positive development.
• Mali and Horn of Africa: France is cautious about Mali due to its upcoming presidential elections, while Somalia remains a major concern. The al-Shabaab group is a key threat, and France supports Kenya's military actions against it.

5. Relations with the African Union and South Africa

• African Union's Role: The African Union (AU) was criticized for not acting quickly enough during the Libyan crisis, which led to a significant number of civilian deaths. The AU eventually recognized the transitional government in Libya.
• France and AU Partnership: France acknowledges the need for cooperation with the AU and the international system, emphasizing mutual support.
• South Africa's Position: South Africa, which also supports the 1973 UN Resolution, was critical of the coalition's military actions in Libya. France respects South Africa's stance but continues to maintain a strong bilateral relationship.

Conclusion

The document highlights the evolving dynamics between France and Africa in the post-Libya context. It underscores the importance of non-interference, strategic partnerships, and cooperation with African institutions. France remains committed to supporting African stability and development while carefully balancing its role and avoiding overreach.