France condemns the murder on May 23 in Bujumbura of Zedi Feruzi, leader of the UPD-Zigamibanga party, as well as the grenade attack against the central market, which killed several people and injured several dozen others the day before.

We extend our condolences to the victims’ families.

We call on the Burundi authorities to shed full light on these despicable acts, the perpetrators of which must be brought to justice.

France urges all parties to continue the dialogue in order to be able to swiftly resume a peaceful election process in accordance with the constitutional framework and the Arusha Agreement. It commends the efforts of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, Said Djinnit, the representatives of the African Union and the countries of the region to ease tensions.

Kenya - Attack against the police forces (May 25, 2015)

France condemns the attack which killed around 20 police officers in the region of Garissa, for which al-Shabab militia members have claimed responsibility

We extend our condolences to the victims’ families.

At this tragic time, France stands in solidarity with the Kenyan authorities and people in their fight against terrorism.

Africa - New presidency of the Economic Community of Central African States (May 25, 2015)

France welcomes the assumption by Gabon of the presidency of the Economic Community of Central African States, following the16th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government Conference which took place in Ndjamena on May 25. It takes this opportunity to pay tribute to the achievements of the Chadian presidency under especially challenging conditions.

We commend the efforts of the Economic Community of Central African States to promote peace and security in the region and to further integrate its members. It can count on France’s support.

Cannes Film Festival award winners (May 25, 2015)

The 68th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, of which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a partner, confirmed the undeniable vitality of French cinema: Of the five feature films in competition, three received awards and the Palme d’Or was awarded to Jacques Audiard for “Dheepan.”

Our partnership with the festival’s president, Pierre Lescure, and his staff has notably resulted in the mobilization of the French cultural network abroad in support of the festival’s internationalization policy. The Institut français, which is charged with promoting cultural action abroad, hosted the "Fabrique des Cinémas du monde" program again this year aimed at supporting the emergence of young talent from countries in the South.  

Films supported by the "Aide aux cinémas" fund, jointly managed by the Institut français and the National Film and Moving Image Center (CNC), also received awards. Several films supported by this scheme were recognized this year:

- Competition: Jury Prize: “The Lobster” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos;

- Directors' Fortnight: Europa Cinemas Label prize: “Mustang” directed by Denis Gamze Ergüven;

- Critics’ Week: Grand Prize and FIPRESCI International Critics' Prize: Santiago Mitre’s “Paulina;”  

- Un Certain Regard Prize: Best Director Award: Kiyoshi Kurosawa for “Journey to the Shore” and Un Certain Talent Prize: “The Treasure” by Corneliu Porumboiu’s (Romania).