From Ndjamena to Dakar, outraged reactions followed in the wake of President Macron’s smooth speech on the new relations currently being drafted between France and certain African countries. The Prime Minister and President of Pastef, Ousmane Sonko, responded to his speech with the same tone: “President Emanuel Macron affirmed today (yesterday) that the announced departure of the French bases would have been negotiated between the African countries which ‘have decreed and France.
He continues by estimating that it is out of simple convenience and politeness that France granted the first announcement to these African countries. I would like to say that, in the case of Senegal, this statement is completely erroneous. For the PM, Senegal has taken it upon itself: “No discussion or negotiation has taken place to date and the decision taken by Senegal stems from its sole will, as a free, independent and sovereign country.” He continues: “He declares, finally, “that no African country would be sovereign today if France had not deployed.” Let us note that France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty.
On the contrary, it has often contributed to destabilizing certain African countries such as Libya with disastrous consequences noted for the stability and security of the Sahel. The rest of his post is mixed with historical facts which constitute a nod to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre celebrated with great fanfare. As if it marked the founding act of the new political-diplomatic doctrine between Dakar and Paris. “It is finally the place to remind President Macron that if African soldiers, sometimes mobilized by force, mistreated and finally betrayed, had not deployed during the Second World War to defend France, it would, perhaps to still be German today,” asserts Sonko.
Senegal
