President of Republic to Le Figaro: “The G-5 Sahel Is a Major Geopolitical and Strategic Achievement That Must Be Preserved”

Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the President of the Republic, stressed “that the G-5 Sahel – this organization, which is a major geopolitical and strategic achievement in the service of peace and development – is not dead. The organization is still alive. The reasons for creating this structure – the fight against terrorism and joint efforts for development – remain relevant.

Our shared challenges remain, and it is the duty of all of us to maintain this organization as a major geopolitical and strategic achievement in the service of peace and development of the people of the Sahel.”This is what the President of the Republic said in an interview with the “Le Figaro” newspaper published on 29 September.

The Head of State, however, indicated that if “the withdrawal of Mali poses a problem and creates discontinuity for the joint military operations which continue with the other countries of the G-5 Sahel, “we must imperatively overcome our differences through

dialogue to achieve our objectives on the two aforementioned fronts. We need to talk to each other. The rule is consultation and I want to remain optimistic. It is the duty of all of us to maintain this organization as a geopolitical asset and major strategic strategy in the service of peace and development of the people of the Sahel. This is a bulwark against withdrawal and the resurgence of communitarianism.”

To a question about the situation in northern Mali, the President of the Republic said: “Indeed, northern Mali and particularly the cities of Gao and Timbuktu have experienced, in recent weeks, a precarious security situation. Generally speaking, the current situation in the Sahel is not good; it is even very bad. All countries in the region are under pressure, including my country. The activities of terrorist groups are intensifying, especially since the French Barkhane forces are no longer there, nor those of the UN mission of MINUSMA.

Regarding the violent anti-French feeling expressed in the Sahelian countries, the President of the Republic indicated that it is more of a virulent populism which is not specific to Africa, but which is expressed

everywhere on the planet. This populism, which no one can control, is largely amplified by social networks. As for anti-French sentiment, there is, in my opinion, strictly speaking, no anti-French sentiment. I would rather talk about misunderstandings along the way, as sometimes exist between long-time friends.

Of course, the past does not always pass, but, in my opinion, there is, alongside this, a dissatisfaction of African opinions on the management of public affairs in terms of governance and democracy in our countries.

The discontent therefore targets two recipients. I add that this so-called “anti-French” feeling does not manifest itself in Mauritania, because respect and friendship have always governed relations between France and my country…

In any case, in relation to this feeling, if France obviously has a future in Africa, Africa must also have a future in France.

And this common future must not be designed to the detriment of one party over the other. It must be built on the “give and take” logic.

Regarding France’s withdrawal from Niger, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani noted: “I will not say that it is a failure for France or a humiliation, as I have heard people say, but

it is probably right to leave.”