Africa: French Soldiers Disciplined Over Rhodesian Flags Linked to White Supremacists
[RFI] France's Ministry of the Armed Forces has launched disciplinary proceedings against several soldiers photographed holding flags linked to Rhodesia, a former white minority-ruled territory in southern Africa whose symbols have been embraced by white supremacists.
France's Ministry of the Armed Forces has initiated disciplinary actions against French soldiers who were photographed displaying flags associated with Rhodesia, a former British colony in southern Africa. The flags, bearing green and white stripes and a coat of arms, have been linked to white supremacists. The incidents occurred in Nîmes, France, and the United Arab Emirates.
The ministry emphasized that French armed forces do not tolerate any manifestation of a racist, supremacist, or extremist nature. The Rhodesian flag, adopted in 1968 following a unilateral declaration of independence from the UK, symbolized white minority rule similar to South Africa's apartheid system. Rhodesia's white population, comprising just 5% of the population, sought to preserve its political power.
The flag's symbolism resonates with white supremacists, as evidenced by its use by Canadian soldiers who marketed Rhodesian memorabilia online. The French Foreign Legion remains a force for "hardest combat," according to the ministry.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
