In January 1998, Robert Bourgi was in Libreville to collect funds for French presidential candidate Jacques Chirac. He encountered Roland Dumas, a rival, highlighting the intertwined nature of French and African politics. Bourgi's memoirs reveal a long history of financial exchanges between African leaders and French politicians, particularly during elections. He recounts colorful anecdotes of money transfers, including one involving cash hidden in djembe drums. Despite the corruption, Bourgi reflects on the stability these relationships provided. However, he notes the decline of French influence in Africa and criticizes France's inability to adapt to a changing global landscape.