When we look at a world map, it’s not just about the countries and oceans we see. It’s like a giant puzzle where every piece affects the others. Today, I will unpack a piece of that puzzle: why France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, seems to be standing up to Russia, especially about what’s happening in Ukraine.
Have you ever wondered why Macron always wanted to fight with Russia in Ukraine?
The reality is that, as it might seem, it’s not just about Ukraine or even Europe’s safety. Let’s dive into a story that ties France to Africa and back to Russia.
Imagine you and your friends have a favorite playground where you all like to hang out. But there’s one friend, let’s call him “France,” who has always decided what games to play and where everyone should sit.
Now, imagine there’s another playground where a friend named “Russia” likes to hang out. One day, France starts worrying that Russia might come over and change the games everyone plays at your favorite playground.
But why is France so worried about what Russia is doing, especially when there’s a whole other story happening far away in a place we’ll call “Africa”?
Did you get my point?
Senegal is like a part of the playground where France used to be in charge, deciding what games to play and who gets the best toys.
But things are changing.
A new kid, let’s call him “Faye,” thinks it’s time for a change. Faye wants Senegal to make its own rules and not follow France’s anymore. It includes even changing the type of money they use, which has been a big way France kept its influence over Senegal.
If Senegal and its neighbors start playing by their own rules, France might not get to decide what games are played or who gets the best spots in the playground anymore.
And here’s where Russia comes back into the story.
France is worried that if it doesn’t stand up to Russia in Ukraine, it might look weak, and more friends like Senegal might start listening to Russia or making their own rules, too.
So, Macron is like the kid who says, “We need to protect our playground from being taken over,” when what he’s really worried about is losing the ability to decide the games everyone plays. It’s a clever way to make sure everyone focuses on Russia while not noticing the changes happening in Senegal and other places in Africa.
Indeed, this story isn’t just about a disagreement between France and Russia. It’s about how every part of the playground, from Ukraine to Senegal, is connected.
The story shows us how old rules are being questioned and new ones are being made. Countries like Senegal are standing up, saying they want to decide their own future, not just follow what France or any other friend says.
Understanding why Macron wants to stand up to Russia goes beyond just what’s happening in Ukraine. It’s about a much bigger picture of how countries interact, influence each other, and how they want to be seen in the big playground we call our world. Like in any playground, everyone wants to play fair, have a say, and be respected by others. And that’s the real story behind Macron’s stance against Russia.
Do you know how many years France has been colonizing Senegal?
France started setting up trade spots along Senegal’s coast in the mid-1600s. Over time, France’s influence grew, and by the 1800s, much of today’s Senegal was under French control. In 1895, Senegal became a part of French West Africa, a group of French colonies.
Senegal became independent from France on April 4, 1960. However, even though Senegal is independent, France still controls most of the economy’s sectors.
Now, let’s look at Macron’s position in Senegal.
The 2024 Senegalese presidential election has created a tug-of-war between France and Russia over their influence in Senegal. With Bassirou Diomaye Faye winning the presidency, Senegal has a chance to make some changes. Faye, taking over, might want to shake things up, especially regarding Senegal’s relationships with other countries.
France has had a strong connection with Senegal for a long time, partly because of history (Senegal was a French colony) and also because France has a lot of investments there. But, some people in Senegal aren’t too happy about this because they feel like France has too much control over Senegal’s economy.
On the other hand, Russia is trying to become more influential in Senegal and other African countries, offering a different kind of partnership that doesn’t have the same colonial background as France does. This situation puts Macron (the French President) in a tough spot because he doesn’t want to lose France’s influence in Senegal and Africa.
Faye’s win could mean that Senegal might start looking at its options, maybe thinking about working more with countries like Russia or just trying to be more independent from France.
Faye won.
Majority percentage. 54% vote. Unbelievable.
So, Macron’s anger about Russia is not limited to Ukraine. He has something else. But he has a chance to oppose Putin in Ukraine and take revenge, as others are involved with him here.
Overall, this situation is making Macron sleepless.
