In response to the #metoo movement within the military, Sebastien Lecornu has decided to commission a report from the general inspection of the armed forces, which will be released at the end of May. The minister’s reaction demonstrates an awareness of the need for a strong and exemplary military in the face of international conflicts in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. However, reports of sexual, sexist, and racist violence reveal deep weaknesses within the military, with insufficient judicial penalties and administrative sanctions highlighting structural issues. Victims from diverse backgrounds are often forced to resign, while perpetrators remain in service, suggesting systemic issues within the military hierarchy.
Testimonies collected by MP Laetitia Saint-Paul reveal a troubling pattern where higher authorities often play a role in covering up acts of violence, downplaying their severity, or even promoting perpetrators. These hierarchical interferences highlight systemic issues that cannot be adequately addressed by focusing solely on the victim-perpetrator dynamic. Structural responses are needed to address core institutional issues related to justice, law, and social relations within the military. The lack of diversity at the highest levels of command has real impacts, with women representing only 20% of officers up to the rank of commander, dropping to 10% for colonels and generals.
The response to these issues must go beyond administrative measures and address the fundamental institutional relationships with justice, law, and social norms within the military. The lack of diversity at the top levels of command is a significant factor in perpetuating these issues, and greater representation of women in leadership roles is crucial to addressing systemic problems. The report from the general inspection of the armed forces will help shed light on the extent of the issue and guide appropriate responses. Delays in providing answers to specific questions regarding the prevalence of sexual, sexist, and racist violence, the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for addressing such issues, and the lack of transparency in disciplinary and legal processes pose additional challenges in addressing these systemic issues.
The report from the general inspection of the armed forces is expected to provide clarity on the prevalence and nature of sexual, sexist, and racist violence within the military, enabling more informed and targeted responses. The lack of diversity at the highest levels of command and the failure to address systemic issues within the military hierarchy have perpetuated a culture of impunity for perpetrators of violence. Structural changes are needed to address these issues effectively, with a focus on promoting diversity and gender equality within the military leadership. Greater transparency and accountability in disciplinary and legal processes are essential to ensuring that victims are supported and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
