France and African Debt: Testing Multilateralism
France and African Debt: Testing Multilateralism

Author(s): Łukasz Maślanka
Subject(s): Supranational / Global Economy, Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Health and medicine and law, Economic development, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: France; African debt; COVID-19 pandemic in Africa; mass debt relief for Africa; global governance system; United Nations; EU’s Southern Neighbourhood Policy; humanitarian aid;
Summary/Abstract: Following an increase of COVID-19 cases in Africa, France wants to present itself as the main advocate of a humanitarian aid plan and the broadly discussed proposal of mass debt relief for the continent. In its political dimension, the move highlights the international role of France and the EU. It can also contribute to decreasing the dependence of African states on China. If it succeeds, President Emmanuel Macron can go forward with his initiative to reform the global governance system, especially the UN, and to emphasize the importance of the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood Policy.

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