Macron’s Failed Promises on Lebanon

France’s position has been particularly troubling. President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon only two days after the blast, parading around the shattered streets promising the population that “I’m not here to help them, I’m here to help you.” He told reporters that “an international, open and transparent probe is needed to prevent things from remaining hidden and doubt from creeping in.”

However, in the two years since, Macron has not only backtracked on his promises. He has also given the embattled Lebanese political class a lifeline through his ambitious but unfulfilled “roadmap” towards reform. His government’s inaction at the Human Rights Council stands in stark contrast to the commitments Macron made to the victims.

While such an approach is deeply problematic in entrenching unequal and colonial power structures, it is baffling that France is not living up Macron’s promises to the Lebanese people. Moreover, France’s failure to act should not be a reason for other states to sit back and do nothing at the Human Rights Council.