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Jacques Foccart Dies at 83; Secret Mastermind in Africa [1]

['Craig R. Whitney']

Date: 1997-03-20

Jacques Foccart, who masterminded clandestine military coups in French-speaking Africa for Charles de Gaulle and three French presidents after him, died at his home this morning. He was 83.

Mr. Foccart's secrecy and preference for operating in the shadows were legendary. He was trusted by France's friends in Africa and remained a powerful influence on his country's African policy almost to his death, serving as an honorary adviser to President Jacques Chirac after his election in 1995.

Mr. Foccart's Machiavellian hand was seen in many a coup and manipulation in French-speaking Africa over the years, and lately in Mr. Chirac's policy of indirect support for President Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire, despite the crumbling of support for Mr. Mobutu at home.

Gaullist politicians paid effusive tribute to him today. ''A great servant of our country has died,'' said Economic Cooperation Minister Jacques Godfrain.

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[1] Url: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/20/world/jacques-foccart-dies-at-83-secret-mastermind-in-africa.html

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