The French presidency is not over, it continues in Africa!

(B2) This is part of a deal between the Czech and French presidencies. France will continue to ensure the continuity of European policy in Africa and de facto the presidency of the EU. The Czech Republic apparently has no appetite for the black continent. It maintains very few embassies there. And France is in a strong position there.

Diplomatic-military apparatus

In many embassies of African countries, it will therefore be France that will be in the front line. The Czech authorities have therefore asked the French to continue to follow certain military missions, in particular those in Chad and Somalia. All relatively discreet things normally, which should not go beyond the contours of a well-informed European circle. But we can count on the Sarkozy-Kouchner pair so that this approval is not done discreetly.

Politico-media presence

First illustration of this principle: French President Nicolas Sarkozy will visit Congo with Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in January to meet the main protagonists of the conflict which threatens the stability of the Great Lakes. No doubt when the EU will have to decide (finally) to set up a mini military operation to support MONUC.