This map from the article gives a good feel for where France still has direct influence. (It doesn't show the countries where they speak french as their official language.)
France won't be pulling their military right out of Africa because of Sarkozy. They will just be less likely to swoop in and reverse negative situations in Africa as they perceive them.
What makes this interesting is that without the direct influence of France on the dark continent these countries are actually going to do better, because France has only ever protected France's self interests. Not the interests of the African nations.
Let's hope it doesn't go the other way and get overrun by warlords.
If you're wondering why I care, my company is opening a copper mine in the DRC. I've been keeping close tabs on African politics for a couple of years now because of the potential direct impact to my company's bottom line.
3 comments:
I'm always a little more world-wise after reading your politically slanted blogs.
Interesting...especially thinking that we could have ended up in Tenke Fungarume.
Tenke Fungarume! I used to love that band! France is perhaps the greatest weasel nation on earth.
Ah, yes and the world calls us imperialists.
I hope it does do better, but time will tell.
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