A letter warning against the dangers of ‘Islamism’ has been published this weekend in France. The letter, published in a right-wing magazine, is purportedly endorsed by a number of active-duty French soldiers, who have opted to remain anonymous.
This is the second such letter published recently. Last month another letter was published which warned that the growing influence of Islam in France could lead to civil war. It had also been signed by active-duty personnel as well as retired generals.
This second letter purports to be from a number of younger French soldiers, who have seen combat in Mali, Afghanistan and the Central African Republic, as well as in domestic anti-terrorist operations.
The letter says these soldiers ‘gave their skin to destroy the Islamism to which you are giving concessions on our soil’. The letter also warned of civil war and said that the French army would maintain order ‘on its own soil’ in such an eventuality.
The chief of staff of the French army, General François Lecointre, has called on soldiers to resign from the military if they had signed the letter. He said that although people in the military had the right to freedom of thought but those who agreed with the letter should leave the institution so that they can ‘freely express their ideas and convictions’.
French President, Emmanuel Macron said that the letter was a publicity stunt to help his right-wing opponent, Marine le Pen, in the French presidential election scheduled for next year. Macron and Le Pen are currently the two leading candidates, according to opinion polls.
[Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori]