Paris: Former influential France-Afrique actor Robert Bourgi has accused France of being ungrateful, particularly highlighting the cases of Presidents Mobutu and Bongo, who were denied humanitarian visas by Paris at the end of their lives despite the services they rendered to France.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Bourgi, in his book “They know that I know everything. My life in France-Africa,” elaborates on behaviors he deems unworthy, illustrating France’s ingratitude toward Africa. He recalled how Marshal Mobutu, the former president of the current Democratic Republic of Congo, was abandoned by France after being deposed by Laurent-D©sir© Kabila’s forces. Mobutu, seriously ill and in exile in Morocco, wished to seek medical treatment in France, but his request was denied by then-President Jacques Chirac, Secretary General of the ‚¬°lys©e Dominique de Villepin, and Prime Minister Alain Jupp©. Mobutu passed away in Rabat, unable to access French humanitarian aid.
Bourgi also cited the case of Omar Bongo, the former Gabonese president known for his generosity towards France. Bongo died in a clinic in Barcelona, despite previously receiving treatment from top professionals at the American Hospital in Neuilly. Bourgi lamented that Bongo was ultimately disregarded by France, reinforcing his claim of the country’s ingratitude. These accounts from Bourgi, a former key figure in France-Afrique, serve as a reminder of the harshness of historical relationships.