The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against several French soldiers seen displaying flags associated with Rhodesia, the former southern African territory governed by a white minority before the establishment of modern-day Zimbabwe.
The ministry confirmed that the soldiers in question have been identified and are subject to disciplinary measures.
“The ministry's position is unambiguous: French armed forces do not tolerate any manifestation of a racist, supremacist or extremist nature,” it said.
“Military personnel are subject to a particular requirement of exemplary conduct and neutrality, which also applies to their behaviour and posts on social media.”
Furthermore, officials emphasized that the incidents were separate and distinct, with no evidence indicating collusion or a structural link between the individuals involved.
