For Emmanuel Macron, Africa “forgot to say thank you” to France, these leaders respond to him

POLITICS – Words that don't get through. By declaring on January 6, during the annual reception of French ambassadors at the Élysée, that Africa had “forgot to say thank you” to France in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, Emmanuel Macron has alienated a large part of the continent, who consider his remarks clumsy at best, paternalistic and contemptuous at worst.

The head of state assures that France has had « raison » to intervene militarily in Africa “against terrorism since 2013”. But regrets the lack of gratitude from the leaders of the countries concerned, so “none of them”he estimated, would not be at the head of a sovereign country today without these interventions. “It doesn’t matter, it will come with time”he also quipped.

Words that made those mainly concerned jump. Chad, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, expresses its “deep concern” After “contemptuous attitude” by Emmanuel Macron. Minister Abderaman Koulamallah recalls “that he has no problem with France” but consider that “French leaders must learn to respect the African people”.

He also recalls the “determining role” played by Africa in general, and Chad in particular, in the liberation of France during the two world wars. A commitment that “France has never truly recognized”he emphasizes, neither “the sacrifices made by African soldiers”.

France has no “legitimacy”

“In 60 years of presence, the French contribution has often been limited to its own strategic interests, without any real lasting impact on the development of the Chadian people”he also criticizes. This outbreak of fever is part of a particular context of military withdrawal by France, after the end of military agreements with Chad.

In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also deplored Macron's exit. He considers that “France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty”. On the contrary, he adds, “it has often contributed to destabilizing certain African countries such as Libya with disastrous consequences noted on the stability and security of the Sahel”. He also recalls the essential role of African soldiers, “sometimes mobilized by force, mistreated and finally betrayed” during the two world wars. Without the contribution of Africa, writes Ousmane Sonko, France would be “perhaps still today, German”. A scathing response to say the least.

Also see on HuffPost :