In a speech before leaving for Africa on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that he would not make France the “perfect scapegoat” in Africa.
Some African nations have said that France is not doing enough to stop Islamist militants, especially in the Sahel region.
Macron also said he wouldn’t get involved in the old rivalry between superpowers for control of Africa.
He will travel to Gabon, Angola, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Macron has said that Africa is a top priority for his second term as president of France. He went to Cameroon, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau in July to show that he means what he says.
However, to the West’s annoyance, many African powers tried to stay neutral and protect their own interests, not wanting to take a stance on the Russian offensive. Other countries, like India and China, did the same thing.
