Macron accused of ‘contempt’ over Africa remarks

French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks about Africa’s “ingratitude” in response to France’s military involvement in the fight against militant jihadist insurgencies have sparked strong reactions from African nations, particularly Senegal and Chad. Macron, during an annual ambassadors’ conference in Paris, said that countries in the Sahel region, where France has had a military presence for years, “forgot” to thank France for its intervention that, in his view, helped prevent their descent into militant control. His comments come amid the ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West African nations, marking a shift in France’s military strategy in the region.

Macron’s statement was a pointed defense of France’s role in the region, as he claimed that no Sahelian nation would have been able to maintain its sovereignty without French intervention. “We were right to deploy [troops]. I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s ok, it will come with time,” Macron remarked. He further stated that African leaders, especially in the Sahel, had not been courageous enough to acknowledge France’s contribution in the face of public opinion, suggesting that their nations owed their sovereignty to France’s military support.

The response from Chad and Senegal has been swift and critical. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, condemned Macron’s remarks as revealing a “contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans.” He stressed that French leaders must learn to respect the African people and acknowledge the value of their sacrifices, emphasizing the need for greater mutual respect in international relations. Koulamallah’s statement, broadcast on national television, reflects deep frustration with Macron’s tone, which many view as dismissive of African countries’ sovereignty.

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, also weighed in, asserting that Macron’s comments were “totally wrong” regarding Senegal’s decision to have French troops leave the country. Sonko clarified that Senegal’s decision was made independently, reflecting the nation’s “sole will as a free, independent, and sovereign country.” This highlights the growing sentiment across the continent that African nations are reclaiming their autonomy and are no longer willing to accept a paternalistic attitude from former colonial powers.

In his statement, Sonko also criticized France for its past role in destabilizing African countries, specifically pointing to France’s involvement in Libya. He claimed that France’s actions in Libya had “disastrous consequences” for the security of the region, and he argued that France lacked both the capacity and legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty. His remarks reflect widespread skepticism about France’s role in African affairs, especially in light of the negative outcomes many see as a result of French military interventions.

Macron’s comments are particularly contentious because they come at a time when France’s influence in the region is already in decline. The French military presence in West Africa has long been a source of tension, with many viewing it as a legacy of colonialism. In recent years, the region has seen a rise in anti-French sentiment, with several countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ordering French troops to leave after military coups ousted their governments. The junta-led governments in these countries have increasingly turned toward Russia for military and diplomatic support, further diminishing France’s position in the region.

In Chad, Macron’s statements were met with criticism of France’s strategic interests in the country. Chad’s foreign minister noted that France’s contributions had been largely driven by its own strategic concerns, rather than a genuine desire to support Chad’s long-term stability. Despite a partnership that has lasted more than 60 years, Chad ended its defense agreement with France in November, declaring that it was time to assert its full sovereignty and redefine its strategic alliances based on national priorities. This shift underscores the broader trend of African nations distancing themselves from former colonial powers and seeking new partnerships that align with their own interests.

France’s dwindling influence in Africa is evident in the growing movement among African nations to seek alternatives to French military and political influence. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, once closely tied to France, are now seeking to establish new alliances with Russia, which has filled the void left by France’s withdrawal. As this shift continues, African nations are reasserting their independence and pushing back against what they see as neo-colonial practices.

Macron’s recent comments, which have fueled the controversy surrounding France’s role in Africa, underscore the tension between France and many African nations. While Macron defends his country’s past actions in the Sahel as necessary for regional stability, his words have sparked a broader conversation about sovereignty, respect, and the future of Africa’s relationship with its former colonial powers. As African nations continue to navigate their own paths toward greater independence, the debate over France’s role in the region will likely remain a contentious issue for years to come.

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