Macron accused of ‘contempt’ over Africa remarks

Jan 14, 2025 Story by: Editor

Senegal and Chad have issued strong responses to recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron, who criticized African nations for being ungrateful toward France’s role in combating militant jihadist insurgencies.

Speaking on Monday, Macron asserted that the Sahel states had “forgotten” to express gratitude for France’s intervention, amid the ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West African nations. He argued that no Sahelian country would remain sovereign without France’s military assistance, which he claimed prevented them from succumbing to militant control.

Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah reacted sharply, describing Macron’s comments as evidence of disdain toward Africa.
“Chad expresses its deep concern following the remarks made recently by [the French president], which reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans,” Koulamallah stated on national television. He added that “French leaders must learn to respect the African people and recognise the value of their sacrifices.”

France’s Role Questioned

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted France’s historical involvement in destabilizing certain African nations, specifically mentioning Libya, which he said had led to “disastrous consequences” for regional security.
“France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty,” Sonko said in a statement.

Macron made his remarks at an annual ambassadors’ conference in Paris, where he defended France’s decision to reorganize its strategic interests in Africa. He dismissed claims that France had been forced out of the region and justified the 2013 deployment of French troops to Mali in response to an Islamist insurgency. The mission later expanded to include Niger and Burkina Faso.
“We were right [to deploy]. I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s ok, it will come with time,” Macron said. “But I say this for all the African heads of state who have not had the courage in the face of public opinion to hold that view. None of them would be a sovereign country today if the French army hadn’t deployed in the region.”

Sonko disputed Macron’s remarks, particularly concerning Senegal’s decision to close French military bases.
“Macron’s remarks were totally wrong,” he said, adding that the decision was made independently by Senegal as a “free, independent, and sovereign country.”

Historical Contributions

Both Koulamallah and Sonko underscored the sacrifices made by African soldiers in liberating France during the world wars.
“Had African soldiers, sometimes forcibly mobilised, mistreated and ultimately betrayed, not been deployed during the Second World War to defend France, it would, perhaps still be German today,” Sonko stated.

In recent years, Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have terminated security agreements with France. Meanwhile, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French troops following military coups and moved closer to Russia.

Chad’s foreign minister criticized France’s involvement in the country, saying it primarily served “its own strategic interests” during their 60-year partnership. In November, Chad ended its defence agreement with France, stating it was “time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.”

France’s influence in West Africa has been steadily declining, with accusations of neo-colonialism and exploitative relations clouding its presence in the region. Source: BBC