Macron Faces Accusations of 'Contempt' for Africa Comments
Macron Accused of 'Contempt' Over Africa Remarks
France's President Emmanuel Macron said Sahel states forgot to say thank you for the efforts of French troops. Senegal and Chad have reacted strongly to remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron about African countries being ungrateful over France's role in helping fight militant jihadist insurgencies.
Accusations of Contempt
On Monday, Macron said that Sahel states "forgot" to thank France for its role, amid the continuing withdrawal of French troops from West African countries. He stated that no Sahelian nation would be a sovereign nation without France's intervention that prevented them from falling under the control of militants.
In response, Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said Macron's comments had revealed his contempt for Africa. He expressed deep concern over the remarks, stating that they reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans.
Blame for Instability
Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko mentioned that France had contributed to destabilising certain African countries such as Libya, leading to disastrous consequences for the region's security. He emphasized that France lacks the capacity and legitimacy to ensure Africa's security and sovereignty.
Macron made these comments at an annual ambassadors' conference in Paris, highlighting France's reorganization of its strategic interests in the region and rejecting the notion that it was forced to withdraw from Africa.
The Role of African Soldiers
Sonko also brought attention to the significant role of African soldiers in defending France during the world wars. He mentioned that without the deployment of African soldiers, France might still be under German control today.
Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have recently ended security agreements with France, while Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have asked French troops to leave following coups. This shift in relationships has been attributed to accusations of neo-colonialism and exploitative practices.
Conclusion
France's influence in West Africa has faced challenges, with accusations of strategic interests overriding national sovereignty. The evolving dynamics between African nations and former colonial powers continue to shape the region's security landscape.
