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France is seeking to re-engage African nations by launching a new military training programme in Central Africa.
The initiative, led by the Academy for the Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources (APERN), will focus on environmental protection and security.
Africa News reports that the exercises bring together teams from eight African countries, including Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Chad and Gabon, alongside French personnel.
Commander Clavier, Technical Director of the Academy for the Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources (APERN), described theninitiative as an exchange of expertise.
“This partnership is, above all, an exchange — an exchange of expertise,” he said.
France, through this programme, seeks to assist African countries in addressing emerging security threats such as illegal gold mining, deforestation, and the protection of fragile ecosystems, which have plunged various countries on the continent into instability.
The training is currently underway in Gabon, where the French Army have begun training the military of some African countries in environmental protection. Gabon’s defence minister is present at the training.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently arrived in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, for a two-day visit.
According to Business Insider, Barrot’s visit is aimed at renewing France’s diplomatic engagement in Africa and rebuilding ties with the Central African Republic.
French influence has declined in the Central African Republic, while Russia is increasing its presence and expanding its influence in the country’s economic sectors.
The French Government has also experienced a setback in the Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, its former colonies, which have severed ties with it after the junta came to power.
