Trading off France with Russia Would Be a Mistake, French Minister Tells African Leaders

French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colanna, has questioned the actions of some African countries, especially former French colonies, which appear to be drifting from France’s influence and moving closer to Russia, saying the move would be a costly mistake.
She was responding to questions from journalists who asked about France’s reaction to Russia’s growing influence over its former colonies following the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

“I wouldn’t trade off France with Russia, if I were you,” Colonna said in a short response, in Abuja.
Recent coups in the West African region have seen some residents of countries where coups have occurred march in support of the coups while carrying Russian flags and singing chants against France.

The foreign minister, according to Premium Times, noted that when coups happen, they (France) have no choice but to decide to leave, however, “others might pick up where we left.”
“The recent history of the French presence in Niger is not a result of the colonial past, it is a direct result of a request made by Niger’s legitimate authority as a way to fight terrorism on the ground,” Colonna said.

Despite the fallouts, she noted that France will continue to support the West African region including its former colonies.
Colonna reiterated France’s support for ECOWAS to ensure President Mohamed Bazoum’s release, and return to constitutional rule in Niger.