Poutine et l'Afrique | La Russie à la conquête du Sahel | ARTE

The Rise of Violence in the Sahel

Overview of Current Situation

• The Sahel region is experiencing unprecedented violence, particularly from Islamist groups, leading to a significant loss of life and stability.

• Daily life has become perilous; villagers wake up to find bodies in their communities, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

Political Instability and Foreign Influence

• The region has seen multiple military coups within a few years, with new leaders expelling European troops and businesses while consolidating power through repression.

• Russia is filling the power vacuum left by departing Western influences, using arms, mercenaries, and propaganda to establish its presence in Africa.

Media Challenges and Risks for Journalists

• Journalists face extreme danger while covering these events; many have been forced out or intimidated into silence as dissenting voices are suppressed.

• In Burkina Faso's capital, Wagadougu, international media presence has dwindled significantly due to safety concerns.

Cultural Reflections Amidst Turmoil

Local Perspectives on Change

• A local artist named Don Charp de Borau shares insights about community struggles through music that honors heroes and critiques French influence in Burkina Faso.

• He emphasizes shared experiences between the French population and Burkinabé people—common suffering, joy, and aspirations despite political tensions.

Historical Context of Colonialism

• France's colonial history involved extensive exploitation of African resources and labor until most countries gained independence in the 1960s. Some nations received support from the Soviet Union during this transition period.

• Despite independence, France maintained strong ties with former colonies through military bases and economic agreements that continue to affect local governance today.

The Sahel: A Modern Epicenter of Terrorism

Current Threat Landscape

• The Sahel is now a battleground for jihadist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS vying for control over territory to establish an Islamic state amidst rising violence against civilians. More than half of terrorism victims come from this region, including many women and children.

Consequences of Climate Change and Security Issues in Burkina Faso

Impact of Climate Change

• The consequences of climate change are severe, leading to droughts and uncertain harvests that push millions into poverty.

• In Burkina Faso, half the population is under 18 years old, with a demographic growth rate twice that of the global average.

Terrorist Attacks and Security Deterioration

• The narrative shifts to a significant location where the first attack occurred in Burkina Faso, marking a violent turning point.

• On January 2016, terrorists killed 27 people and injured over 50 in attacks reminiscent of the Bataclan incident; this marked the beginning of ongoing violence.

• Over ten years, security has drastically worsened across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as violence escalates in the Sahel region.

International Military Interventions

• France initiated Operation Serval in 2013 followed by Operation Barkhane in 2014 to combat terrorism alongside allies including the U.S. and European nations.

• French military interventions were often requested by African nations rather than being unilateral decisions; without these operations, many states might not exist today.

Historical Context: France's Influence in Africa

Post-Colonial Relations

• Despite granting independence to many African countries in 1960, France maintained influence by selecting leaders to preserve its political and economic interests.

• This relationship is termed "Françafrique," highlighting how France continues to play a significant role in certain African states post-colonization.

Shifts Towards Independence and Russian Influence

Growing Sentiment Against Foreign Intervention

• A local blogger expresses strong anti-French sentiments, questioning what France has left to do in Mali after decades of independence struggles.

• Public protests against government mismanagement have united various demographics demanding true independence from foreign influence.

New Alliances with Russia

• Following governmental changes, rumors spread about Russian mercenaries entering Mali amidst propaganda suggesting a resurgence of French control over Africa.

• In Burkina Faso too, anti-French sentiment grows as citizens express their desire for alignment with Russia instead.

Geopolitical Dynamics: Modern Cold War

Power Struggles in the Sahel Region

The Role of Russia in the Sahel Region

Diplomatic Warfare and Military Presence

• Russia aims to refouler French troops and security forces traditionally present in the Sahel, utilizing propaganda, military presence, economic support, and governance promotion favored by the Kremlin. This strategy challenges Western hegemony in the region.

Wagner Group's Involvement

• Since late 2021, hundreds of Russian mercenaries have been fighting alongside the Malian army to combat terrorism and strengthen military government power. The Wagner Group serves as a strategic tool for Moscow to gain influence without official presence.

Financial Gains from Africa

• Yevgeni Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner militia, began deploying mercenaries to Ukraine in 2014 but later found lucrative opportunities in Africa. Countries like Mali and Central African Republic pay millions to the group for their services. Prigozhin died in a plane crash in 2023.

Arms Supply vs Western Hesitance

• The new leaders in Mali sought real weapons and reinforcements for frontline support; however, Europe—especially Germany—was reluctant to provide such aid. In contrast, Russia offered immediate military assistance that included actual arms training rather than simulated exercises with wooden rifles.

Insights from Security Expert

• Serge Eledinov, a former Russian soldier with experience on the continent and past contact with Wagner, emphasizes that it is not about Russians winning but rather Westerners losing ground due to ineffective policies that create vacuums filled by Russia’s influence.

Political Turmoil and Shifting Alliances

Coup d'État Against Democratic Leadership

• In summer 2023, France's embassy was stormed as General Abdurrahman Tiani emerged as a new ally for Russia after leading a coup against Mali's democratically elected president on June 26th. France condemned this military takeover vehemently.

Governance Challenges Post-Coup

• Following the coup, new judges were appointed while French military personnel were expelled from Mali along with diplomats and journalists. Despite elections being held previously, many countries lacked effective democratic governance systems which led to political failures exploited by international interests due to resource wealth in the region.

Resource Exploitation: Uranium Mining Issues

Niger's Uranium Resources

• Visiting Harlit—the largest uranium site in Niger—reveals significant resentment towards France over unfulfilled promises regarding infrastructure development despite Niger being a major supplier of uranium (20% for French nuclear plants). The mines are now inactive under military rule following permit revocations by authorities.

Environmental Concerns

Impact of Radioactive Contamination on Miners and Their Families

Health Risks and Lack of Support

• The radioactive sand is carried by the wind to a nearby city, affecting former miners and their families living 7 km away. Studies indicate that homes, kitchen utensils, and vehicles are contaminated. The most affected individuals are the former miners who worked without proper safety equipment.

• Many widows report that their husbands fell ill and died after years of working in the mines. Although doctors did not attribute these deaths directly to radiation exposure, many suffered from blood cancer. There has been no support provided during or after their illnesses.

Economic Struggles Post-Mining

• Former workers like Youssoufou Amani feel abandoned after dedicating 22 years to mining for Orano, now running a small grocery store as a fallback plan. Despite this effort, nearly 80% of Nigeriens still lack electricity and face severe poverty, struggling even to afford basic food items like pasta.

• There is growing frustration directed at Orano for its lack of accountability regarding the radioactive contamination issues faced by local communities. Letters have been sent demanding responsibility but have gone unanswered. This situation has fueled anger towards former colonial powers in Niger.

Political Landscape and Foreign Influence

• Military governments in Africa are promising to build stronger nations that will no longer compromise with Western interests; new leaders like Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traoré demand foreign companies relinquish part of their shares to the state while ensuring skill transfer to locals. This includes companies like North Gold which received new mining permits recently.

• Russia is actively seeking access to Africa's natural resources such as gold and uranium while attempting to win over local populations through propaganda efforts involving figures like Traoré, who appears charismatic yet faces increasing scrutiny from opposition groups and journalists amid rising tensions in the region.

Surveillance and Threats Against Journalists

• The environment for dissenting voices is becoming increasingly perilous; journalists report feeling constantly monitored during their work due to government crackdowns on free speech and political opposition, leading them into dangerous situations while filming documentaries about these issues.

• Instances of armed men detaining journalists highlight the risks involved in reporting on sensitive topics within military-controlled regions where human rights violations are prevalent; recent reports indicate forced recruitment of journalists into combat roles against terrorists following critical coverage of regimes' actions.

Government Control Measures

• Military leaders appear uncertain about how best to maintain power amidst security challenges; they seem focused on suppressing any potential protests or dissent against their governance strategies while trying various tactics for control over public sentiment within society at large.

• As tensions rise between citizens and authorities, measures taken include mobilizing community members as night watchmen who monitor suspicious activities—reflecting an atmosphere where trust is eroded among citizens under constant surveillance by both state forces and informal groups alike.

Russia's Influence in Africa

Russian Support and Cooperation

• The speaker highlights the presence of Russian support in military equipment delivery, contrasting it with other nations like Mali and Niger.

• A special artisan fair in Wagadougu showcases a Russian stand, indicating local associations funded by the Kremlin to promote cooperation.

Poutine's Image as an Ally

• Vladimir Putin is portrayed as more than a political ally; he is celebrated as an equal partner, evident in summit meetings and cultural expressions.

• A song written for Putin’s birthday reflects gratitude for military aid and food supplies sent to African nations.

Education and Cultural Influence

• Schools are now teaching about Russia and the history of the USSR, alongside first aid training, indicating a shift towards pro-Russian sentiment among youth.

Perception of Western Colonialism

• The Kremlin positions itself as a benefactor against perceived Western colonialism, promoting narratives that downplay historical injustices attributed to Europe.

Wagner Group's Operations

• The speaker warns that Africans may eventually realize the dangers of engaging with mercenary groups like Wagner over European relations.

• Wagner operatives are described as acting under Kremlin orders, differentiating their approach from traditional Western soldiers or UN troops.

Violence and Human Rights Concerns

Reports of Atrocities

• Local populations report arbitrary violence from Wagner forces, including collective punishments against communities suspected of harboring jihadists.

Refugee Crisis

• Videos reveal nearly 150,000 refugees fleeing not just terrorism but also violence from Wagner and Malian forces. Testimonies describe severe abuses faced by civilians.

Civilian Casualties

• An independent database reports at least 925 civilian deaths linked to Wagner operations last year—more than double those caused by Islamist militias.

Escalating Instability in the Sahel Region

Deteriorating Security Situation

• Despite military regimes supported by Russia, security conditions have worsened across Mali and neighboring regions.

Humanitarian Crisis

• Over two million people have been displaced in Burkina Faso due to ongoing violence; some towns remain cut off from humanitarian aid for years.

Migration Patterns Influenced by Conflict

Impact on Europe

• Increased migration flows towards Europe are seen as beneficial for Russia, potentially strengthening far-right parties aligned with Kremlin interests.

Activism for Refugees

Cohesion and Conflict in Burkina Faso

The Importance of Social Cohesion

• Bintidi Begascon emphasizes that social cohesion is fundamental to society, where individuals feel valued regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

Personal Testimony of Violence

• Begascon shares her personal tragedy, revealing that her sister and nephew were killed by the army, which was supposed to protect them. This highlights the failure of state protection.

Escalating Violence and Responsibility

• She notes that hundreds have been executed in similar circumstances, criticizing the international community for its inaction towards a community in danger.

Recruitment of Civilian Volunteers

• The government recruits civilians with minimal training to combat terrorism, leading to increased ethnic tensions, particularly against the Peul community.

Human Rights Violations

• Reports indicate that these civilian volunteers participated in massacres against civilians, as confirmed by Human Rights Watch analyses.

First-Hand Accounts from Former Volunteers

• A former volunteer describes witnessing innocent people being killed during missions intended to target terrorists, indicating a breakdown of military discipline.

Impact on Children and Society

• He reflects on how children born into this violence now associate cars with terror rather than normalcy, illustrating a generational trauma affecting societal stability.

Current Living Conditions and Fear

• The situation has led to dire living conditions where villagers face uncertainty about whether deaths are caused by the army or starvation.

Critique of International Military Involvement

• The speaker contrasts current military actions with those of the French army, suggesting that while flawed, they adhere more closely to human rights standards.

Government's Focus on Dissent Over Terrorism

• There is concern over the government's prioritization of silencing dissenting voices rather than addressing terrorist threats effectively.

Geopolitical Dynamics and Local Concerns

• Begascon points out that discussions around Russian involvement overshadow local issues; she stresses ongoing military abuses long before Russia's presence became a topic of interest.

Future Prospects for Youth in Sahel Region

• There is anxiety about how millions of young people can envision a future free from violence amidst ongoing crises affecting their region.

Migration Trends Affecting Europe

• Changes in Niger’s laws regarding migrant trafficking have led to an increase in refugees attempting to reach Europe, highlighting interconnected regional challenges.

Geopolitical Dynamics in Mali and the Role of France

Current Geopolitical Landscape

• The geopolitical situation in Mali is characterized by a resistance against Western influence, with military leaders cooperating and establishing common frameworks such as a shared passport.

• There are ongoing projects for new currencies and unified armies, indicating a shift towards regional autonomy supported by Russian military and political backing.

• France's military presence in Africa is being questioned; it is suggested that African nations must take responsibility for their own security rather than relying on Western powers.

Future Generations and National Aspirations

• Concerns are raised about the future of journalism and the impact of propaganda on local populations, emphasizing the universal desire for peace among citizens like Benkoro Sangaré.

• A vision for Mali includes improved health, education tailored to national needs, and independence from foreign influence, highlighting aspirations for self-determination amidst rising terrorism.

Russia's Involvement in West Africa

• Russia positions itself as a historical ally in the Sahel region, framing its involvement as part of a broader fight against terrorism while showcasing military strength through international partnerships.