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“This treaty is no longer compatible with our values or the nature of our relationship with Djibouti,” Lecoq said in his address. He criticized what he called France’s “complicity” in maintaining an authoritarian regime in Djibouti, accusing French governments—past and present—of turning a blind eye to political repression, human rights abuses, and electoral fraud.
French Communist MP Jean-Paul Lecoq launched a scathing attack on a proposed defense treaty between France and Djibouti during a heated debate in the National Assembly on Monday, calling the agreement “a guarantee of continuity in a relationship tainted by colonialism and domination.”
Speaking on behalf of the Democratic and Republican Left Group (GDR), Lecoq announced that his group would vote against the ratification of the treaty, which was signed in Paris on July 24, 2024. The agreement outlines France’s military presence and financial support to the small East African nation, a former French colony and long-standing strategic ally.
“This treaty is no longer compatible with our values or the nature of our relationship with Djibouti,” Lecoq said in his address. He criticized what he called France’s “complicity” in maintaining an authoritarian regime in Djibouti, accusing French governments—past and present—of turning a blind eye to political repression, human rights abuses, and electoral fraud.
“Never Has Been independent“
Lecoq pointed to the legacy of colonialism, arguing that Djibouti’s first president, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, was installed with French support and went on to ban opposition parties. He accused current president Ismaïl Omar Guelleh—Aptidon’s nephew—of continuing the same authoritarian model.
“Guelleh has been in power for 22 years. He’s barred from running again due to age limits—but there’s always the possibility of a constitutional amendment. His only concern seems to be: What does Paris think?” Lecoq said sarcastically.
The MP described the government of Djibouti as a “clannish and authoritarian system,” perpetuated through fraudulent elections, repression of dissent, and political patronage.
A Rentier Regime Backed by Foreign Powers
Lecoq expressed alarm at the €85 million per year that France will provide under the treaty over the next 20 years, suggesting the funds prop up an overarmed regime that invests in military drones instead of healthcare or infrastructure.
“Forty-five percent of Djiboutians live on less than $3 a day. Half the population lacks clean water or electricity,” Lecoq stated. “And yet the government is buying drones at $5 million apiece to suppress protests.”
France’s military presence in Djibouti, Lecoq argued, has less to do with protecting shipping lanes near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait than with geopolitical rivalry, alongside other major foreign powers such as the U.S., China, Japan, and Italy.
Human Rights Abuses and French Silence
In a particularly emotional section of his speech, Lecoq listed a series of alleged abuses carried out by the Djiboutian government: ethnic marginalization, press censorship, torture of political prisoners, and even sexual violence committed by the military against the women of Afar community.
He noted that France had knowledge of potential violations of international law, including airstrikes against civilians in neighboring Ethiopia, due to its control over Djiboutian airspace.
“France is looking the other way,” he said. “This is the France of human rights? Of enlightenment? We are aiding and abetting.”
A Call for Democratic Transition
Rather than military cooperation, Lecoq urged France to support a democratic transition in Djibouti based on a shelved Charter drafted by opposition forces. He emphasized that meaningful change must be based on the will of the people, not the maintenance of geopolitical interests.
“France has become the life insurance of the regime,” he concluded. “A ‘fine agreement’ would be one that finally breaks with this cycle of repression and rent-seeking.”
The National Assembly is expected to vote on the treaty later this week. As government holds a majority it is likely the agreement will be ratified. Lecoq’s speech drew applause from some opposition benches and sparked renewed debate over France’s role in Africa.
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Photo: French Communist MP Jean-Paul Lecoq
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