At a time when Emmanuel Macron’s speech provoked strong reactions, Ousmane Sonko’s response resonates as a powerful call for the sovereignty and dignity of African nations. In direct challenge to the French president’s assertions, Sonko did not simply react. It opened a fundamental debate: that of the true political and military independence of African countries.
Sonko’s vision is based on an indisputable observation: Africa must recover the means to guarantee its security. By asserting that the withdrawal of French troops is an exclusively Senegalese decision, he adopts a diplomatic posture which underlines the inalienable right of African states to manage their own affairs. This approach reflects a growing collective desire on the continent to reject neocolonial tutelage, thus calling for a balanced and respectful partnership.
Sonko points out that prolonged reliance on Western military forces, often seen as bulwarks against insecurity, has often led to disastrous consequences. Taking the example of Libya, he illustrates how external interventions can exacerbate crises and destabilize entire regions. Through this lens, he calls for introspection on the security model in Africa, asking countries to forge endogenous solutions that respond to local realities.
This vision goes beyond the simple military framework; it also includes economic and social aspects. Sonko has already advocated for the diversification of economic partnerships, moving African nations away from a model of dependence on former colonial powers. This model called for is that of an Africa which develops its own capacities, valorizes its natural resources, and invests in its infrastructure, while creating synergies with other nations on an equal footing.
In this sense we could affirm that Sonko’s sovereignism is not an isolated claim. It is part of a broader movement on the African continent. Many African leaders and citizens are waking up to the need to reject traditional patterns that have often relegated African countries to the roles of simple beneficiaries of foreign policies. This movement, nourished by a new generation of uninhibited leaders and intellectuals, encourages reflection on African identities, the valorization of history and the role of culture in the construction of an emancipated society.
By supporting Ousmane Sonko’s position, we are not only encouraging a Senegalese politician. We campaign for an Africa that is respected, sovereign and free to build its own future. This requires courage and vision, but above all a common commitment to defend the rights of African people, to place dignity at the heart of international relations, and to promote truly equitable partnerships. It is a vision of a future where Africa asserts itself with pride on the world stage. Sonko’s response to Macron is more than a call for dignity and deserves the support of all the sons of the continent!
Cheikh Seck Strategy Advisor – Montreal
