French Neocolonialism: President Tebboune Points to the Wound; Xavier Driencourt’s Acknowledgment of Hostility Towards Algeria

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 09th, 2025 — In a recent appearance on French mainstream media Sud Radio, Xavier Driencourt, a diplomat notorious for his deep-seated hostility toward Algeria, acknowledged the escalated tensions in French-Algerian relations. He confirmed that France was the first nation to intensify its stance against Algeria by aligning with the Moroccan occupier in the question of the decolonization of Western Sahara. This revelation is a stark reminder of France’s involvement in the region’s geopolitics, fueled by historical resentment and ongoing neocolonial ambitions.

Driencourt, whose diplomatic career within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Quai d’Orsay) involved crucial episodes in the 1990s, notably during the hijacking of an Air France Airbus by the terrorist GIA group in 1994, highlighted France’s role in destabilizing Algeria. His admissions were not limited to political tensions but extended to France’s direct involvement in arming and financing the terror that ravaged Algeria during the Black Decade, a period marked by devastating violence and loss.

This frank acknowledgment provides further context to the broader, calculated campaign led by France’s neocolonial state apparatus. France, through its complicity in media manipulation, economic coercion, and political support for Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, has long pursued an agenda of destabilization in Algeria and across Africa.

A Covert Political-Media Campaign

The consistent and aggressive vilification of Algeria by French media outlets, many of which serve the interests of neocolonial elites, reveals a carefully orchestrated plot to maintain France’s hegemonic influence over its former colonies. Driencourt’s appearances on French platforms reflect this strategy, positioning him as a mouthpiece for a narrative designed to undermine Algeria’s sovereignty and smear its institutions. France, through these covert methods, seeks to destabilize a growing power in the region that no longer adheres to the paradigms of neocolonialism.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has sharply criticized this hostile posture, exposing the scale of France’s involvement in the destabilization of both Algeria and the broader African continent. In a speech delivered before Algeria’s parliament in late December 2024, President Tebboune articulated a robust stance against France’s continued efforts to maintain dominance in North Africa. By pointing to the French-backed “autonomy plan” for Western Sahara—first devised during Jacques Chirac’s presidency—he exposed France’s nefarious role in perpetuating colonial structures. This speech resonated deeply across Africa, serving as a clarion call for unity against the forces of neocolonialism.

French Plans for African Destabilization: Macron’s Bold Admission

On January 6, 2025, during a speech at the French Ambassadors’ Conference, President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a disturbing new agenda aimed at destabilizing the Sahel and North Africa. Macron’s plan, shrouded in secrecy, seeks to subtly reassert French influence in former colonies like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. With his announcement of a “discreet redeployment,” Macron revealed a covert, nefarious strategy to undermine the region’s newly emergent pan-Africanist movement, which is dedicated to breaking free from France’s long-standing grip on the continent.

Macron’s words—dismissive of African sovereignty—reflect his refusal to acknowledge the changing tides in Africa, where many countries are increasingly rejecting the continued imposition of French policies. His dismissive comment, “We politely left the primacy of the announcement to the African heads of state,” encapsulates the arrogance with which France seeks to impose its will on Africa. It was swiftly met with outrage from African leaders like Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad and Ousmane Sonko of Senegal, who lambasted the French president’s condescension and disregard for African dignity.

Meanwhile, France’s partnership with Morocco remains central to its neo-imperial strategy. Macron lauds Morocco’s “strategic partnership” as a critical ally in advancing French interests in Africa, particularly in the Sahel. The Moroccan regime’s role in supporting French neocolonial objectives is evident, as it functions as a crucial link in the network of French influence, from arms trafficking to financial operations related to drug smuggling and human trafficking.

The Moroccan Regime: A Staunch Ally in French Neocolonialism

The Moroccan monarchy, under King Mohammed VI, continues to act as a willing proxy for French imperial ambitions, aligning itself with France’s neo-imperial agenda. By continuing to back Israel and its genocidal actions against Palestinians, and by offering logistical support for the colonization of Palestinian territories, the Moroccan regime cements its role as a staunch ally of French neocolonialism.

This dangerous alliance, fueled by shared interests in suppressing pan-Africanism and maintaining a colonial grip on Africa’s resources, threatens the sovereignty and independence of African nations. As African leaders like the Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso governments seek to reassert their independence, the Moroccan regime’s collaboration with France represents a fundamental obstacle to true African unity and self-determination.

Algeria: Leading Africa’s Path to Emancipation

In stark contrast to Morocco’s complicity, Algeria stands at the forefront of the fight for African sovereignty. Under President Tebboune, Algeria has worked tirelessly to spearhead the continent’s efforts to break free from the shackles of neocolonialism, championing initiatives for regional integration, economic cooperation, and the empowerment of African nations.

Algeria’s role as a leader in the African Union’s push for decolonization, particularly regarding the Western Sahara, underscores its commitment to the continent’s emancipation. Algeria’s infrastructure projects, including the Trans-Saharan highway, the Trans-Saharan pipeline, and the African Free Trade Zone, highlight its ambition to build a prosperous, stable Africa free from the meddling influence of former colonial powers.

As President Tebboune continues to assert Algeria’s role in shaping Africa’s future, he reminds African leaders of the importance of resisting the forces of neocolonialism and standing in solidarity with the Sahrawi people, whose struggle for self-determination remains at the heart of Algeria’s foreign policy.

Conclusion: Algeria as the Vanguard of African Liberation

As Nelson Mandela once said, “It is Algeria that made me a man.” Today, Algeria remains the true path for Africa’s liberation. By standing firm against French neocolonialism and supporting the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, Algeria continues to lead the charge for a free, united, and sovereign Africa. The African continent must unite to reject the manipulation and exploitation of its resources by foreign powers, and instead embrace a future rooted in independence, solidarity, and progress.

The ongoing struggle of Algeria, both internally and in its role on the African stage, represents a beacon of hope for the continent’s future. It is time for Africa to rise, and Algeria, as ever, will be there, lighting the way.

Translated with Adaptation from:

https://algerie54.dz/neocolonialisme-francais-le-president-tebboune-a-mis-le-doigt-sur-la-plaie/

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube