Image Source: Daily Sabah
Africa – Co-founder and president of the Sahel Solidarity Campaign Network, Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh, has blamed France for last week’s failed coup attempt in Mali. The move was described as part of a broader strategy to destabilise the Sahel and undermine African sovereignty.
According to Sankoh, his organisation condemned the events in the strongest terms. He described the attempted coup as an attack on Mali’s independence and on Africa’s right to chart its future.
“Our group, that is the Sahel Solidarity Campaign Network, condemns strongly the cowardly attempt by France and its local surrogates to overthrow the government of Mali led by President Aimueta.”
Neo-colonial Agenda?
The failed coup was presented as further proof that colonial interference has not ended. Outside powers, Sankoh argued, continue to treat Africa as a territory to be manipulated rather than an equal partner.
In his view, these actions pose a threat to the lives of progressive leaders and risk plunging nations into instability. France, he said, still benefits from destabilisation.
“It is very sad in this 21st century that France still attempts to destabilise the African continent. It is sad that France still enjoys the luxury of spilling the blood of progressive leaders on the continent.”
Arrests Suggest Foreign Involvement
Security forces were praised for their swift action. Arrests were made across Bamako and other parts of the country, preventing the coup from gaining ground.
For Sankoh, the capture of suspects, including an alleged French operative, confirmed suspicions of direct outside involvement in Mali’s affairs.
“They’ve arrested the brothers, including a French spy agent in the scene; they caught him in the scene.”
He linked the incident to wider instability across the Sahel. Regional organisations, he argued, have become prime targets of attempts to fracture African unity.
“The agenda is to destabilise the entire Sahel region to see that the AES no longer exist. That is the agenda of France.”
Scramble for Africa’s Resources
Foreign competition for resources was identified as the driving force behind interference. Uranium, vital for Europe’s energy supplies, was singled out as central to the strategy.
Sankoh said recent shortages had fuelled desperation, explaining the increasingly aggressive tactics aimed at the Sahel.
“There is a new scramble for control of African resources and wealth that is being championed by France and European allies as well as the United States… They depend on the uranium, and since in the last two years they have not been getting this uranium, the government of France is going mad.”
He called for Africa to resist external manipulation and defend its sovereignty. Control of resources, he said, must translate into prosperity for African people.
“This is Africa. Africa for the African people, and the time has come for Africa to take its stage… The resources in Africa will be utilised for the benefit and happiness of the African people for this generation and future generations.”
A United Country
Despite the coup attempt, public unity was highlighted as a defining response to the event. Sankoh pointed to the solidarity shown by ordinary Malians, who rallied behind their government in the wake of the unrest.
He insisted this unity was proof of the people’s determination to defend sovereignty. Malians, he said, were ready to resist further outside interference.
“As much as Mali is concerned, the people of Mali are behind the leaders, and they are showing their solidarity behind the President and are ready to defend the land against any foreign interference into their country’s domestic matters.”
