Emmanuel Macron’s statements on Africa, during a conference of ambassadors on January 6, 2025, continue to provoke strong reactions. The French president had mentioned an alleged “ingratefulness” of African countries towards France and affirmed that the departure of French soldiers from certain French-speaking nations had been “negotiated”.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko disputed these claims, calling the idea of negotiations on the withdrawal of French bases “totally erroneous”. He insisted that this decision fell exclusively within the sovereignty of Senegal. He also denounced comments according to which no African country would be sovereign without French intervention. Sonko recalled the crucial role of African soldiers during the world wars, stressing that their sacrifice had been underestimated.
For its part, the Chadian government has also expressed its dissatisfaction. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chad criticized Macron’s “contemptuous” attitude towards African leaders, recalling that Africa played a determining role in the liberation of France, often ignored by France.
These criticisms reflect a growing exasperation with comments perceived as disconnected from historical realities and the current aspirations of African countries.
Augustin Sogoh SANOU
Source: Sputnik Africa