Latest news with #InternationalOrganizationofLaFrancophonie
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Niger Accuses France of Destabilizing Sahel Region
Israa Farhan Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani has accused France and other Western powers of orchestrating indirect efforts to destabilize the Sahel Confederation through covert intelligence operations and the support of armed groups. Speaking in a four-hour televised interview with national broadcaster RTN, President Tiani claimed that a broad international conspiracy is at play. He alleged the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies, international actors, and neighboring states in an attempt to undermine the emerging Sahel Confederation, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Tiani identified two alleged French intelligence units operating in the region. The first, he claimed, was established following the July 26, 2023 coup and is led by Jean-Marie Bockel, French President Emmanuel Macron's special envoy to Africa. This unit reportedly includes French military officers and aims to prevent the spread of the Sahelian political movement and to preserve France's military presence in the region. The second, dubbed the 'Élysée Sahel Cell,' was reportedly launched in September 2024 under the supervision of Christophe Guyot. According to Tiani, this unit consists of French foreign intelligence personnel, diplomats, and officials from the International Organization of La Francophonie. He named Jérémy Robert as the operational leader of the cell, which he accused of having "unlimited financial resources" dedicated to destabilizing the Sahel Confederation. The Nigerien president further alleged that a strategy of "terrorist resettlement" is being pursued in the border areas shared with Mali and Burkina Faso, supported by the redeployment of fighters from the Lake Chad basin. He accused Benin of allowing these armed groups to settle in its northern territories, a region he described as being under 'direct French influence.' Tiani also revealed the existence of a high-level meeting on 15 March 2025, which he claims brought together representatives of Western powers and armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). The aim of this alleged gathering, he said, was to launch an indirect war against the Sahelian states, beginning with Niger. Additionally, the president accused Nigeria of providing refuge and logistical support to French forces expelled from Niger. He pointed to two meetings held in Abuja on 25 January and 3 February 2025 as key moments in the coordination of what he described as a broader destabilization campaign. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Arab Times
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Cultural diplomacy on display as Francophonie celebrations begin
KUWAIT CITY, April 14: The Francophonie Month commenced with a series of cultural activities conducted in the French language and it will continue until the end of April, with the participation of 44 diplomatic missions in the country. French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin commended the bilateral relations between Kuwait and France, describing such relations as excellent. He also highlighted the historical context of this relationship, as well as the commonalities and cooperative endeavors of both countries. Asked about the prospective official visits between the two nations, he stated that plans are underway to arrange visits by French dignitaries in order to strengthen bilateral ties. On the possibility of President Emmanuel Macron visiting Kuwait, Gauvin is hoping this will happen. He affirmed that President Macron extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, and that an initial acceptance has been received. 'Efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to finalize the date for this visit, preferably before the end of the year,' he revealed. He also affirmed an upcoming meeting with the Minister of Defense to discuss military and security cooperation. Citing a prior meeting with the Minister of Education when the expansion of French language education was discussed, he confirmed the desire of the minister to expand French language instruction. He also announced the inauguration of an international French-language baccalaureate program in French high schools this September. He then expressed his aspiration for Kuwait to be a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, considering the substantial number of French speakers in here and the extensive teaching of French in educational institutions. Meanwhile, Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait Christian Dooms lauded the role of Kuwait in promoting cultural awareness and embracing diverse cultures. He is hoping that Kuwait will join the International Organization of La Francophonie; especially since there are half a million French speakers in Kuwait and 1,400 teachers in the public and private sectors are teaching French to 45,000 students. He emphasized the value of cultural events in fostering dialogue, citing Belgium's early recognition of the independence of Kuwait in 1961 and the historic visit of HH the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad to Paris in 1969, which marked a significant point in Kuwaiti-French relations.
LBCI
20-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun on International Francophonie Day: Being Francophone means standing with reason and the citizen
On the occasion of International Francophonie Day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's deep ties to Francophone values, emphasizing that being Francophone goes beyond language to embody principles of reason, sovereignty, and individual freedoms. "We are Francophones, and to be Francophone means standing with reason against all madness, and with the citizen, not the ruler," Aoun stated. Aoun further elaborated on the philosophical and political foundations of Francophonie, highlighting the balance between faith and secularism. "To be Francophone means being both believers and secular at the same time—giving to God what is God's and to Caesar what is Caesar's," he said, referencing the principle of separating religious and political authority. Expanding on the political ideals associated with Francophone thought, Aoun stressed the importance of state sovereignty and democratic principles. "Being Francophone means upholding the absolute, permanent, and indivisible sovereignty of your state, as per Bodin's principle; embracing the spirit of laws to combat the tyranny of any authority, as Montesquieu advocated; recognizing the people's will as the foundation of the social contract, as Rousseau envisioned; and defending freedom of thought and expression, as Voltaire championed," he explained. Lebanon, a longstanding member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, has historically maintained strong cultural and diplomatic ties with the Francophone world.
Morocco World
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Mali Follows Niger, Burkina Faso in Leaving Francophonie Organization
Doha – Mali announced its withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) on Tuesday, following similar decisions by Niger and Burkina Faso the day before. The move marks another break with France by the military-led Sahelian countries. 'Mali cannot remain a member of an organization whose actions are incompatible with constitutional principles founded on state sovereignty,' the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in an official letter announcing the withdrawal. The three countries, founding members of the OIF since its creation in Niamey in 1970, had previously been suspended from the organization following military coups. Mali's suspension came in August 2020 after the overthrow of elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who had led the country since 2013. The OIF had demanded Keita's release and 'the establishment of a transitional government led by civilian authority as soon as possible.' In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – accused the Paris-based organization of becoming 'a politically manipulated instrument.' They argued that the OIF 'instead of supporting these countries in achieving their peoples' legitimate objectives, has distinguished itself by selectively applying sanctions based on geopolitical considerations and disregard for their sovereignty.' The exit from the OIF follows profound shifts in Mali's relationship with the French language. In July 2023, French was downgraded from the country's official language to a 'working language' under a new constitution. Meanwhile, multiple traditional languages spoken in Mali were elevated to official status. Of Mali's population of over 23 million, approximately 3.7 million are French speakers. The three Sahelian countries have been systematically distancing themselves from French influence. In December 2024, Mali renamed several streets in Bamako that had previously honored French colonial figures. Similar symbolic changes occurred in Niger, where the 'Place de la Francophonie' was renamed 'Place de l'Alliance des Etats du Sahel.' This latest decision succeeds the three countries' January 2024 withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which they accused of being subservient to France – a decision that became effective last January. Having severed ties with France and European partners, these military-led nations have grown increasingly closer to Moscow. The OIF, which now counts 90 member states, upholds its mission to promote 'French language and cultural and linguistic diversity,' as well as 'peace, democracy and human rights,' and 'support for education' Despite mediation attempts by West African leaders, including recent visits by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to the three states, the Sahelian alliance has maintained its stance of sovereignty and continued its political realignment away from traditional French influence. Tags: Burkina FasomaliNiger
MTV Lebanon
28-02-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Minister of Culture meets with OIF representative
The Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh met in his office at the National Library in Sanayeh, the representative of the International Organization of La Francophonie for the Middle East, Ambassador Levon Amirjanian, who congratulated him on his behalf and on behalf of the Secretary General of La Francophonie for assuming office at the ministry of culture. The meeting discussed the ongoing preparations for the launch of the activities of the Month of the Francophonie in joint cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the regional office of the organization as well as the development of an action plan for the Francophonie in Lebanon that includes various fields in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture.
