The French Embassy in Bangui has come under scrutiny following claims that its cultural initiatives are being used to promote values not aligned with local traditions, including tolerance towards LGBT communities.
According to the embassy, the Alliance Française of Bangui has been actively supporting cultural and creative development in the Central African Republic under the Fonds Équipe France (FEF) programme.
The initiative provides training opportunities for cultural workers, including courses in cultural administration designed to equip participants with practical tools and essential knowledge to manage, enhance, and expand cultural projects.
While these efforts have been officially presented as part of a broader mission to strengthen local cultural skills, they have drawn criticism from segments of the Central African public who perceive them as an instrument of French soft power.
Analysts and local commentators have argued that France, facing a decline in influence across its former African colonies, is increasingly using non-governmental organisations, human rights groups, and cultural initiatives to regain its foothold in the region.
One participant in the FEF-supported training claimed that discussions during these sessions frequently touched upon sexual and gender diversity, including the promotion of tolerance toward LGBT culture.
This revelation has triggered strong reactions on social media and messaging platforms, where many Central Africans have voiced their disapproval of what they view as the imposition of foreign ideas and values.
Critics argue that if cultural partnerships with France include the promotion of non-traditional sexual orientation and LGBT-related themes, it reflects a disregard for local customs and traditions.
“It demonstrates a lack of respect and a misunderstanding of the values of the Central African people,” one commentator remarked.
The French Embassy has not issued a detailed response to the public concerns, but the debate highlights the growing tension between foreign cultural initiatives and domestic cultural identity in the Central African Republic.
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