Lecture Notes: Françafrique and the Influence of Oil on French-African Relations

Introduction

• June 2009: Gabon buries President Omar Bongo
• Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy attends the funeral
• Françafrique: Hidden and complex Franco-African relations focused on mutual political and economic interests

Historical Background

• General de Gaulle's strategy post-WWII to retain influence in former African colonies
• Pierre Guillaumat and Jacques Foccart: key figures in establishing control mechanisms
• Elf Aquitaine: French public oil company crucial for maintaining French influence

Key Strategies and Players

• Political and economic stability as prerequisites for oil exploitation
• Rigged elections: Ali Bongo declared winner in 2009 amid allegations of fraud
• France’s unspoken support for certain African leaders
• Role of secret services (e.g., Maurice Robert) in orchestrating political outcomes

Guinea and Counter-Guerrilla Tactics

• 1958: Guinea declares independence under President Ahmed Sékou Touré
• France's aggressive counter strategies including currency destabilization and arming opposition
• Role of secret services in maintaining control over political regimes

Civil Wars and Political Assassinations

• Political assassinations of anti-French leaders in Cameroon, Benin, and other colonial territories
• French mercenaries, including Bob Denard, in various operations to influence political outcomes

Symbolic and Strategic Operations

• 1964 coup in Gabon: French intervention to restore President Léon M'Ba to power
• Establishment of Presidential Guards using French military personnel
• Control over Gabon ensured stability for oil interests

Shifts in Power Dynamics

• 1970s-80s: French involvement in politically unstable regions like Biafra and Angola
• Françafrique remains strong under Presidents Pompidou, Giscard d’Estaing, and Mitterrand despite changing political landscapes

Changing Context in the 1990s: End of Cold War

• Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 reshapes global political landscape
• Increasing pressure for democratic reforms in former African colonies
• 1990: La Baule Conference nurtures a shift towards multi-party democracies

The Elf Scandal

• 1994: Investigation into Elf's financial practices reveals significant corruption and political financing
• Use of oil profits to fund political operations in France and Africa
• Legal consequences and limitations: Minimal imprisonment and fines

Modern Françafrique

• Continuation of complex Franco-African relations under President Nicolas Sarkozy
• Robert Bourgi’s role in navigating and maintaining these relationships
• Ceremonial and symbolic gestures, including debt forgiveness and official visits

Conclusion

• Françafrique has evolved but retains elements of its original structure
• African leaders now exert significant influence over French politics and business interests
• The role of Freemasonry and continued economic dependencies highlight the ongoing dynamics in Franco-African relations