The Declining Influence of France in the Sahel: A Multimodal and Framing Discourse Analysis on Presidential Speeches in Burkina Faso
Author
Labbaye, Camille Julie
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-10-15
Abstract
This thesis examines how relations between Burkina Faso and France have changed as France’s influence in the Sahel has declined. It asks how Burkinabè heads of state framed their relationship with France during the French-led military campaign known as Operation Barkhane, and what this framing reveals about the countries’ post-colonial relationship. The study fills a gap by foregrounding Burkinabè perspectives and tracing shifts in official narratives and priorities. Methodologically, it uses framing analysis (how leaders present and prioritize issues) and multimodal discourse analysis (reading words together with visuals such as clothing and staging), informed by social constructivism (the idea that meanings shape politics) and neo-colonialism (persistent power imbalances rooted in colonial history). The primary material is New Year addresses delivered throughout the Barkhane period. The analysis finds a clear evolution: from early neo-colonial influences toward an explicit desire for independence. This change appears in the head of state’s attire, rhetoric, and the space given to international partners in the speeches. It is linked to controversies around Barkhane’s governance, human rights concerns, and unmet promises. Together, these factors have fueled a marked rise in anti-French sentiment, driven by perceptions of condescension and arrogance.
Afhandlingen undersøger, hvordan relationerne mellem Burkina Faso og Frankrig har ændret sig i takt med, at Frankrigs indflydelse i Sahel er aftaget. Den spørger, hvordan burkinske statsoverhoveder har indrammet deres forhold til Frankrig under den franskledede militæroperation Barkhane, og hvad denne indramning siger om de to landes postkoloniale forhold. Studiet bidrager til en sparsom litteratur ved at sætte burkinske perspektiver i centrum og følge skift i officielle fortællinger og prioriteringer. Metodisk anvendes framinganalyse (hvordan ledere præsenterer og prioriterer emner) og multimodal diskursanalyse (at læse ord sammen med visuelle udtryk som påklædning og iscenesættelse), inspireret af socialkonstruktivisme (ideen om, at betydninger former politik) og neokolonialisme (vedvarende magtubalancer rodfæstet i kolonihistorien). Det primære materiale er nytårstaler holdt gennem Barkhane-perioden. Analysen viser en tydelig udvikling: fra tidlige neokoloniale påvirkninger mod et klart ønske om uafhængighed. Dette ses i statsoverhovedets påklædning, retorik og den plads, som internationale partnere får i talerne. Udviklingen knytter sig til spørgsmål om Barkhanes styring, bekymringer om menneskerettigheder og uindfriede løfter. Samlet har dette næret en markant stigning i anti-fransk stemning, drevet af opfattelser af nedladenhed og arrogance.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords
Burkina Faso ; France ; Barkhane ; Framing ; Multimodal ; Discourse ; President ; Neo colonialism ; Social constructivism ; anti-french ; political ; Africa ; Sahel ; Military ; Development ; Aid