The election of François Hollande as President of the French Republic has sparked many hopes, both nationally and internationally. In France, these hopes are more than justified in a very difficult economic and social context with outcomes that remain completely uncertain for the time being. This situation might partly explain Sarkozy’s decline, who quickly understood that his chances of securing a second term were limited.
After moments of euphoria and exaltation, the realities, which may prove very painful with their shares of disappointments and disillusions, are likely to follow quickly, as expectations are so high and sometimes even disconnected from reality. The files on the elimination of thousands of jobs, put on hold during the electoral period, are already current and darken the political and social horizon of the elected president.
Hollande’s victory was also celebrated outside France, notably in Africa, where President Sarkozy’s speech in Dakar on July 26, 2007, was experienced as an unnecessary provocation, and for some, as an aggression.
For Sarkozy, “the tragedy of Africa… is that there is neither room for human adventure nor for the idea of progress. Africa’s problem is not to invent a more or less mythical past to help endure the present but to invent a future with means that are genuinely its own, etc.” Everyone will appreciate that.
After Hollande’s victory, several foreign flags, notably Algerian, Tunisian, Moroccan, and of course Ivorian, flew on the Place de la Bastille in Paris, creating in effect uneasiness within the French Socialist Party, but especially among a large part of the French community, shocked by this intrusion of doubtful taste.
These flags waving on this highly symbolic place of the French Revolution of 1789 by people mainly of African origin, were as aggressive to the eyes as Sarkozy’s speech in Dakar. It is hard to imagine French flags on the Place de la République in Abidjan, during the victory of a PDCI, RDR, or even less of an FPI candidate. It is a question of common sense and political and democratic education.
In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, the victory of the socialist François Hollande was celebrated with jubilation and joy, with undoubtedly great hopes of seeing French policy turn in favor of the former Ivorian power. Some even dream of seeing the new president free Laurent Gbagbo, whom he helped exclude from the international socialist and openly stated that “Laurent Gbagbo was not to be dealt with.”
In these circumstances, it is hard to imagine Hollande becoming suddenly amnesic, given that he voted for and supported the resolution of the French National Assembly regarding French military intervention in Côte d’Ivoire, under UN mandate to uphold the will of the Ivorian people during the last presidential election.
Political realism compels us to note that Hollande was elected by the French people, from whom he derives his legitimacy and to whom he is accountable. He is also bound by the constitution to ensure the continuity of the state in the interest of France.
General De Gaulle said, “France has no friends, no enemies, only interests to defend.” Thus, given France’s current difficulties, with its increasingly depleted coffers, it can no longer afford to help Africa through its development aid cooperation policy.
In fact, Africa should expect nothing from this new French government; it must rely on itself to exist. With the riches held by African states, it is up to them to establish an intelligent and subtle balance of power to obtain the means for their countries’ development by establishing democracy.
In politics, everything is seized with force, imposing upon the other as the emerging BRICS countries have done. No one gives gifts to anyone; only interests prevail. In retrospect, one might still wonder whether Sarkozy’s speech in Dakar, despite the harshness of the remarks, does not contain a kernel of truth that could offend sensibilities and challenge consciences.
Macaire Dagry
Political columnist at Fraternité-Matin
