Robert Bourgi

Robert Bourgi (born 4 April 1945) is a French-Lebanese businessman, politician, and the recipient of the Legion of Honour. He is best known as a close confidante and adviser to several African leaders in former French colonial states, especially Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon. Bourgi was considered a major facilitator in what was known as Françafrique, France's sphere of influence over its former colonies in sub-Saharan Africa. Bourgi was instrumental in maintaining the dense web of personal networks (or réseaux), a central feature of Françafrique, that held together the informal businesses and political relationships between French and African leaders. He was mentored by and succeeded one of the founding pillars of Francafrique, Jacques Foccart. In October 2024, he published his memoir, They Know, I Know Everything, with coauthor and political scientist Frédéric Lejeal.