“The relationship between France and Africa cannot be an eternal retrospective”

The speeches follow one another and the reactions are similar. We are witnessing a spiral that produces a sensitive impression of déjà vu. A speech by the President of the French Republic, delivered on the occasion of the conference of ambassadors, of which only one sentence, an emotion and collective indignation on the continent, and finally a «viralisation» organized which saturates and preempts any debate.

In this hackneyed choreography, it is difficult to discern the winners. Yet they exist since we see the emergence of a category of actors – leaders, influencers, self-proclaimed experts – who share the lucrative business of divide and polarization. These new annuitants of «clash» permanent will they have the courtesy to say thank you, or even “funny» ? We can also doubt their gratitude. Why is this hysterization so boring? Because the excess of speeches has replaced the truth of action.

In terms of «reconnaissance» between France and the African continent, since the spark comes from there, progress has never been as important as in recent years. Reports were written, words were spoken, and if we could only remember the example of France’s commitment to Rwanda, responsibilities were assigned. Of course, we are not at the end of the road but, as we have seen in recent weeks around the memory of the Thiaroye riflemen, the lines continue to move in the right direction. Far from the vociferations, archives are opening, French and African researchers are working together, a shared memory is being built.

However, the relationship between France and the African continent cannot be an eternal retrospective. Neither France nor Africa has any interest in being locked into the position of permanent culprit for one, victim of history for the other. Conducting research on the past only makes sense if it involves simultaneously investing in the future.

The President of the French Republic has himself set a course by projecting himself into a relationship now centered on economic partnerships and not on security cooperation. This course is shared by many African leaders and economic actors who want an equal relationship with France. To realize this vision, we have no need for speeches, even less for sterile polemics. We need action.

We have, in France as in Africa, committed actors who, on a daily basis, seize opportunities, exchange, create, invest. Like the French-African Foundation and the various Young Leaders promotions, there is no shortage of talent and desire.

We must now move up a gear: organize and plan business sectors, support and secure investments in Africa by small and medium-sized businesses, accelerate the formidable industrialization dynamic at work in several free zones on the African continent. . It is less military bases than investments in agriculture that will stabilize the Sahel tomorrow. These are proactive investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure that will guarantee African sovereignty.

Less speeches but more dialogues, more rhythm, more concrete successes: we have everything to co-produce, between France and the African continent, a breathtaking action film and not a dull rebroadcast.

• Mamadou Goundiam is a member of the steering committee of the French-African Foundation, and executive general director of Jeune Afrique Media Group.
• Nachouat Meghouar is executive director of the French-African Foundation.
• Nelly Kambiwa is Global Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Sopra Banking Software, Young Leader of the French-African Foundation.
• Mathias Léopoldie, is president and CEO of Julaya, Young Leader of the French-African Foundation.
• Alexandre Coster is co-president of the French-African Foundation.