DISINFO: Josep Borrell does not hide his racist vision of the world
SUMMARY
This is said by a man [Josep Borrell] who cannot hide the racist essence of his vision of the world. Not so long ago, he publicly said that Europe is a flowering garden, he is a gardener, and Europe is surrounded by jungles, from which threats arise for a flowering garden. Therefore, a flowering garden should be careful with the jungle and protect its well-being. There is nothing to add here regarding who and how it relates to the needs and interests of African countries.
RESPONSE
Disinformation narrative amid the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to Mali on 8 February 2022. Designed to deflect attention away from Russia's imperialist war in Ukraine and to claim "moral high ground" and legacy from the Soviet Union's claimed anti-collonial policy with African countries.
The words of HR/VP Borrell are taken out of context. In October 2022, speaking on international law in front of students at the College of Europe, Borrell raised the question: "should the international order be based on principles accepted by all, regardless of the strength of its actors, or should it be based on the will of the strongest, which is commonly called “the law of the jungle”?
"My reference to “jungle” has no racist, cultural or geographical connotation. Indeed and unfortunately, the “jungle” is everywhere, including today in Ukraine. We must take this trend seriously and that was my message to the students. Certainly, we should not retreat behind the false security of walls and isolationism. Some have misinterpreted the metaphor as “colonial Euro-centrism”. I am sorry if some have felt offended", - explained Borrell on his blog. As he further explained, when he spoke about the “European garden” he was referring to: "our record, thanks to our Union, of cementing peace and cooperation among previously warring parties, with a shared commitment to uphold rules and laws.
Pro-Kremlin media media makes a misinterpretation, not mentioning any criticism of the countries violating international law, incl. the UN Charter, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which was the essence of Borrell's statements. Disinformation media fail to mention the comments later made by Borrell to address any misinterpretations.
See other pro-Kremlin disinformation cases targeting HR/HV Josep Borrell. See also narratives falsely denying the presence of Russia´s mercenaries Wagner group presence in Africa , and false narratives denigrating EU countries´ perception in Africa, such as France is supporting terrorism in Mali.