French diplomacy will be in the spotlight of the presidential agenda this Monday. Emmanuel Macron will indeed explain to the French ambassadors gathered in Paris the priorities of his foreign policy in a difficult international context with a war in Ukraine which is bogged down and the crises in certain African countries.
The “conference of ambassadors”, which takes place from Monday to Wednesday, will have as its theme: “affirming our principles, our interests, our solidarity”. Proof of solidarity with Ukraine, Dmytro Kouleba, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, is the guest of honor at this 29th edition.
The limited success of the Ukrainian counter-offensive
Kiev launched a counter-offensive against Russia in early June, with limited success raising fears of weariness in the face of a costly conflict, with an uncertain outcome, which now requires an increase in the production capacities of defense industries.
So far, Emmanuel Macron and his French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna have tirelessly highlighted the need for continued financial and logistical aid, insisting that behind Ukraine’s integrity, it is international stability that is in play.
In his speech to diplomats at the Elysée, the president should also return to the crisis currently playing out in Niger when the putschist soldiers demanded Friday evening the departure of the French ambassador stationed in Niamey. This ultimatum also ended on Sunday evening. The putschist soldiers, who have been holding President Mohammed Bazoum prisoner in the presidential palace for a month, also denounced the military agreements between Niamey and Paris.
Paris closes vis-à-vis Niamey
On this file, France opposes a position of firmness, arguing that it does not recognize the government of the generals. “The putschists have no authority” to demand the departure of the ambassador, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday evening. Paris also supports West African countries (ECOWAS) in any action to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Catherine Colonna will deliver her speech on Tuesday morning before holding a press conference in the afternoon with her Ukrainian counterpart at the Quai d’Orsay. Finally, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne will address the ambassadors on Wednesday.