The gag in question was granted last month at the request of Trafigura, an oil firm, to prevent publication of the details of a report related to the dumping of toxic waste in Côte d’Ivoire.

But France's dominance goes far beyond perfumes, champagne and crystal chandeliers; just think of Dassault Falcon private jets, Catana yachts and the deluxe hotels of the Côte d'Azur.

There is similar uncertainty about the electoral timetable in Côte d'Ivoire, where much-postponed polls are finally due to be held this year.