Francafrique? Still on?

In 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy pledged to end the Francafrique network that was linking the government of France to various dictatorships in Africa. In exchange for various services, generally in the form of military help, the various rulers of the old French colonies would allow French companies to benefit from advantageous contracts when it came to exploit the rich African lands. In addition, the elites from the French government would receive nice royalties. This corruption has been characteristic of the relations between France and its African allies for the past 40 years. What has happened now three years after his election?
This rupture with the past was further emphasised in 2008 when Jean-Marie Bockel, the French minister for overseas aid, declared that he wanted to sign the death warrant for Francafrique. Unfortunately for him, his declarations scared some African leaders and he was quickly replaced by Alain Joyandet. In fact, Sarkozy did not need someone knowledgeable on the question of development but someone capable of following directives and able to act as a business man defending the interests of the Republic. This is a huge shift compared to his declaration.

In November 2009, the New York Times was recapitulating the different actions that were suspect to the eyes of observers. In September 2009, Ali Bongo, the son of the late Omar Bongo, was elected at the head of the Gabon and perpetuating the rule of his family. This election, that was suspected to be rigged, was fully backed by the Elysées.
In October, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, the general who staged a coup in the desert nation of Mauritania was also backed by the French capital; and in Niger, President Mamadou Tandja who locked opposition figures and managed to maintain himself in power for longer than he should , can also count on the support of Paris.
Furthermore In July, President Sarkozy cordially received the president of Cameroon, Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982 and has removed presidential term limits last year. Mr. Sarkozy praised the country as a “pole of moderation.”
Yet, in France everything that has been noted by the NYT is only objected by the media that do not carry a lot of weight. Although everybody is aware of these practices, nothing seems to be done in order to change this cycle as it coincides with the economic sphere of France and stopping these relations would likely result in the fall of some national industrial champions. It is possible to think that Nicolas Sarkozy genuinely wanted to remove this circle of influence. However, the power of corruption that the African leaders wield is enough to provide contracts to French multinationals and force any leaders on their sides. Nevertheless after three years of his presidency, Mr Sarkozy did not manage to apply his promise.
However a lot of factors are to be taken into account. First, the advantages that France takes as a beneficiary of the resources and largess of the African countries. On the other hand, these African regimes are not developed enough to defend themselves and assure stability on much on their internal than external affairs. The recent case of China being a new favourite of African leaders shows that they can barely control and develop their country (or rather continent) on their own. This vicious circle is likely to continue for Africa. The nationality of their protectors does not really matter as long as they bring money and weapons to sustain their authority. And last but not least, the greed of certain rulers, if not all, is not to be excluded from the equation.