French President Emmanuel Macron, re-elected for a second term, is embarking on a tour of Africa three months after his re-election. A visit that started in some former French colonies to reaffirm its support for them. Among these, Benin figures prominently. This was an opportunity for the two counterparts, Patrice Talon and Emmanuel Macron, to discuss the difficulties that stand in the way of Benin’s emergence, especially those linked to the country’s security challenges.
From Monday 25 to Thursday 28 July 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting three different African countries including Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau. This visit comes three months after his re-election as President of France. The major concerns of this meeting include food and military security.
Indeed, Emmanuel Macron’s meeting in Benin will allow the two heads of state to discuss the current situation in the country, given the threats to food security, but also the fight against terrorism in the north of the country recently. In fact, their exchanges will focus more on the jihadist attacks in order to see how far France can establish its military base on Beninese soil in order to stem the evil that is spreading in Benin. This phenomenon has caused several victims, especially among the police. This proposal for a French military base will be a sign of France’s remarkable support for Benin.
Also, the issue of the food crisis in the country due to the war between Ukraine and Russia. This tragedy has serious consequences for Benin and is one of the major problems that must be addressed immediately. Since social peace and the maintenance of public order also depend on food. Furthermore, it should be noted that the meeting of the tenant of the Elysée Palace is a sign to further consolidate the diplomatic relations between France and Benin. It is also an opportunity for Macron to congratulate his counterpart on the reforms undertaken by the government of the rupture since the election of President Patrice Talon in 2016 and his re-election in 2021. This reappointment has enabled President Talon to improve the Beninese economy in several other areas. Macron will also visit the 26 works of art exported from France which are on display at the Presidential Palace in the Marina.
Thierry Hounye(stag)
