Macron accused of ‘contempt’ over Africa remarks
French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked backlash from Senegal and Chad following remarks suggesting African nations are ungrateful for France’s military interventions against jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region.
During an ambassadors’ conference in Paris, Macron stated that Sahel states “forgot” to acknowledge France’s efforts in preventing them from falling under militant control. He added that none of the nations in the region would be sovereign today without French intervention.
In response, Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah criticized Macron’s comments as showing “contempt” for Africa. He urged French leaders to respect African sacrifices, referencing the role African soldiers played in France’s liberation during World War II.
Similarly, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko condemned Macron’s remarks, accusing France of contributing to the destabilization of countries like Libya, which has had lasting negative effects on regional security. Sonko further rejected Macron’s claim that African nations owe their sovereignty to France, emphasizing Senegal’s independent decision to close French military bases.
The controversy comes as France’s influence in West Africa wanes. Several nations, including Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, have ended security agreements with France, while Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French troops after recent coups. Many of these nations are now aligning more closely with Russia.
Macron defended France’s withdrawal from Africa as part of a reorganization of strategic interests, dismissing accusations of neo-colonialism. He reiterated that France’s intervention in the region was the right decision, despite African leaders’ failure to publicly appreciate the effort.
Chad’s Foreign Minister further stated that France’s contributions were limited to its strategic interests and had not addressed the instability and challenges facing Chad during their decades-long partnership.
As African nations continue to assert their sovereignty, the remarks have fueled debates about France’s legacy and ongoing role in the region.
Credit: BBC
