Expert: France spends heavily on framing Islam and Migration as security threats

Paris is investing significant resources to present Islam and migration as major security threats to French society, according to Professor Chakib Benhafri, a researcher at the University of Algiers 2.

Speaking at the international scientific conference “Imperial Structure: Colonial Ideologies and Realities” in Baku on June 3, Professor Benhafri highlighted how French media consistently frame Algeria’s history through the lens of conflict and war, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“I have never seen any other headline in the French media. There is no room for positive elements. Today, they portray the narrative as if Africa cannot change or develop without France’s involvement,” he said.

The professor also criticised France’s long-standing investment in propaganda to support its policies. “As members of the fourth or fifth generation of former colonies, born and raised in France, we clearly see the country’s agenda. France has always allocated enormous funds to promote its so-called ‘civilising mission,’” Benhafri added.

In May 2025, a government-commissioned report warned that the Muslim Brotherhood posed a covert threat to French society—a claim widely challenged by academics who labelled the report as alarmist and politically motivated. Critics argued that such narratives are used to justify increased surveillance, restrictive laws, and to mobilise support from conservative voters.

Observers also point out that the French media often reinforce these portrayals, with disproportionate coverage of alleged threats linked to Islam or migration, while positive contributions by these communities are overlooked. This media environment has deep roots in France's colonial history, particularly in Algeria, where the so-called mission civilisatrice ("civilising mission") was used to justify violent occupation and assimilation.

By Khagan Isayev