Yaoundé, 26 July 2022 (TDI): French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a three-nation tour of the African states of Cameroon, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau from 25-27 July 2022.
This is his first trip to the continent since winning re-election as he seeks to reboot France’s post-colonial relationship with the continent.
1er déplacement du Président @EmmanuelMacron sur le continent africain depuis sa réélection.
Devant la communauté française: les relations entre le Cameroun et la France, l’Afrique et l’Europe, se nourrissent de nos liens humains et permettent de bâtir de nouveaux partenariats. pic.twitter.com/YbhnWLgpCe— Catherine Colonna (@MinColonna) July 26, 2022
Tour of Cameroon
Macron is set to meet his counterpart, President Paul Biya of Cameroon during the visit. The two will discuss investment opportunities in Cameroonian agriculture.
Macron is seeking to revive economic ties between his country and Cameroon where French economic influence has been dwindling.
Cameroon has been rife with ethnic violence and an armed operation by anglophone separatists. The two officials will also discuss security prospects.
Northern Cameroon has also seen attacks by Boko Haram. France wants to affirm that the African continent is a political priority of the presidency by discussing pressing issues like economy and security.
La crise que nous vivons est une occasion pour développer une agriculture durable et résiliente sur le continent africain. La France sera au rendez-vous pour accompagner les Africains à produire pour eux-mêmes. pic.twitter.com/0vfLPSjqMs
— Élysée (@Elysee) July 26, 2022
Dwindling French Influence
His visit comes at a time when former colonial power France has seen its influence declined in the face of China, India, and Germany, particularly in the economic and commercial sectors.
In this regard, Macron will engage with the leadership in these countries. He will also meet representatives of youth and civil society.
Macron will move on Wednesday to Benin, which has faced deadly attacks from jihadists, who have spread from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea nations.
Activists have criticized all three countries over their rights records. However, the Elysee Palace has insisted that governance and rights issues will be raised. The Élysée Palace is the official residence of the President of the French Republic.
