France's Old and New Africa Policy (2007-2010)

Abstract

Knowledge of the African continent is one of the weakest points of French President Sarkozy. The president could rely on excellent experts – the leadership of the Elysée Africa cell was taken over by Bruno Joubert, who succeeded Michel de Bonnecorse as the successor to Michel de Bonnecorse, who excelled in resolving the Ivory Coast conflict and was responsible for the strategy of the DGSE for a long time, and Sarkozy’s circle of friends includes Robert Bourgi, one of the most important under Chirac and de Villepin, and considered the heir to Foccart’s ideas. But in our opinion, the opinion of these experts – also with regard to Africa – is less important in shaping the president’s policy than his immediate circle of advisors, who mainly consist of media and communication specialists.