Thank you Mr. Macron but no Thank you- French milked Africa for 2 centuries of their weath

Introduction

French colonialism in Africa was extensive and long-lasting, with significant economic benefits for France and lasting impacts on the colonized nations.

French Colonial Presence in Africa

France colonized 21 countries in Africa over a period of 147 years, from 1830 to 1977. Some of the key French colonies included:

Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco in North Africa

Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Ivory Coast in West Africa

Chad, Gabon, and Congo in Central Africa

Madagascar off the east coast of Africa

French colonial rule was characterized by different approaches, including:

Assimilation policies in West Africa, aiming to integrate local populations into French culture and society

Indirect rule in North Africa, allowing some authority to local leaders under French oversight

Economic Gains for France

The French colonial empire in Africa provided significant economic benefits to France:

Access to vast natural resources and raw materials for French industries

New markets for French goods

Cheap labor, including the use of African slaves in French colonies in the Americas

Agricultural production, such as sugar, coffee, and cotton

The exploitation of African resources and labor contributed substantially to France’s economic growth and industrial development during the colonial period.

Details of French economic gains

Direct Financial Gains

Colonial Tax

After granting independence, France required some former colonies to pay a “colonial debt” for the supposed benefits of colonization. For instance, Togo was required to pay nearly 40% of its budget as reimbursement.

Foreign Currency Reserves

France has been holding the national reserves of 14 African countries since 1961. It’s estimated that France holds close to 500 billion dollars of African countries’ money in its treasury.

Economic Control and Resource Exploitation

Raw Materials

France maintained a monopoly on the raw materials of its colonies, allowing it to extract valuable resources at favorable prices.

Trade Imbalances

The colonial pact forced reliance on raw material exports and a French monopoly on shipping, exports, and imports, creating trade deficits beneficial to France.

Currency Control

The CFA franc system, created in 1945, allowed France to maintain economic control over its former colonies. This system stimulates capital outflows from Africa towards Europe, often benefiting France.

Indirect Economic Benefits

Market Access

Colonization provided new markets for French goods, boosting French industries.

Cheap Labor

African colonies provided a source of cheap labor, including the use of African slaves in French colonies in the Americas.

Agricultural Production

Colonies were forced to produce cash crops like sugar, coffee, and cotton, benefiting French industries.

Macron’s Controversial Statement

French President Emmanuel Macron recently claimed that African countries in the Sahel had “forgotten to say thank you” to France for helping to combat jihadist insurgencies. This statement has been widely criticized for several reasons:

Neocolonial attitude

The comment reflects a paternalistic and neocolonial mindset, implying that African nations owe gratitude to France for its military interventions.

Ignoring historical context

It overlooks the long history of exploitation and oppression during the colonial period, as well as the ongoing economic ties that benefit France.

Disregarding African sovereignty

The statement suggests that African nations’ sovereignty is dependent on French intervention, which is both inaccurate and disrespectful.

Overlooking African contributions

It fails to acknowledge the significant contributions of African soldiers in liberating France during World Wars I and II.

Misrepresenting France’s motivations

The comment implies that French military presence in Africa was purely altruistic, ignoring France’s strategic and economic interests in the region.

African leaders, including those from Chad and Senegal, have strongly criticized Macron’s statement, accusing him of showing contempt for Africa and Africans. They argue that France’s military presence often served its own strategic interests rather than genuinely promoting African development

Conclusion

In conclusion, while France did play a role in combating jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel,

Macron’s statement oversimplifies the complex historical and contemporary relationship between France and its former African colonies.

It fails to acknowledge the lasting impacts of colonialism and the ongoing need for respectful, equal partnerships between nations.