“Africa should thank France.” This phrase, spoken by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017, caused a stir. At first glance, it might seem like a reminder of France’s deep influence over its former colonized continent. But when we look at the history and real impact of French colonization in Africa, a clear question arises: is it really Africa that should thank France, or is it France that owes apologies, reparations, and an acknowledgment of its complicity in a system that largely benefited from cruel exploitation?
French Colonization: A Heavy and Bloody Legacy
Through its colonial empire, France controlled a large portion of Africa for centuries, from the Atlantic coast to the tropical forests of Central Africa. During this time, African populations were subjected to unprecedented exploitation: forced labor, plundering of natural resources, and the destruction of local cultures. A prime example is the case of the Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), colonized by Belgium but with French involvement in supporting the Belgian colonialists. It was one of the worst examples of human exploitation in the history of European colonial empires. The people of the Congo were enslaved, subjected to mass killings, and tortured, leaving deep scars in Congolese society—scars that France helped perpetuate by supporting the colonial system.
Another striking example is Algeria, colonized by France for 132 years. The Algerian War of Independence, one of the bloodiest of the 20th century, resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, with France using extreme methods of repression: systematic torture, massacres of civilians, and summary executions. The French state long refused to acknowledge its crimes, and only under pressure from decolonization movements and human rights activists did it begin to do so. While formal apologies have been offered for some acts, true reparations and genuine dialogue have never been initiated, leaving Algeria and other former French colonies with a relationship steeped in resentment.
Post-Colonial France: Ongoing Neocolonial Practices
Although colonization formally ended, France’s neocolonial practices in Africa have never ceased. French military interventions in sub-Saharan Africa are a blatant example of this continuity. Since the 1960s, France has maintained a decisive influence over its former colonies through military agreements, political support for authoritarian regimes, and opaque management of the continent’s natural resources. A prime example is Chad, where France supported multiple regimes in power, often at the expense of democracy and human rights. The country, rich in oil, has seen its wealth largely siphoned off by French companies, while the population remains impoverished.
In Cameroon, France continues to exert significant political and economic influence, supporting the government of President Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 40 years, despite accusations of violent repression of opposition and severe human rights violations. This form of support for autocratic regimes, under the guise of “cooperation” and “bilateral partnerships,” is an example of how France continues to exploit its former colonies, which goes far beyond simple “acknowledgment” of historical ties.
The Case of the Colonial Currency: The CFA Franc
Another major point of contention is the issue of the CFA Franc, a currency used in 14 African countries formerly colonized by France. This currency remains under France’s control despite its name, as these countries must deposit 50% of their foreign currency reserves in the French Treasury. This system allows France to continue exercising economic dominance over these countries, preventing them from achieving true monetary and economic independence. The CFA Franc is a modern form of economic colonization, ensuring that former colonies remain tied to the French economy at the expense of their own development.
Who Really Owes Apologies?
In light of history and the facts, the answer is clear: France owes apologies to Africa. France owes apologies for the crimes committed during colonization, for its support of post-colonial dictatorial regimes, and for the ongoing neocolonial practices that continue to subjugate Africa through unjust economic systems, unsolicited military interventions, and agreements that keep the continent dependent.
African countries, in contrast, have no reason to thank France for imposing a brutal domination that caused unimaginable suffering and irreparable destruction. If any gratitude is to exist, it is Africa that should be rewarded for having survived centuries of plunder and exploitation.
Emmanuel Macron, by asserting that Africa should thank France, seems to ignore the bloody colonial legacy and the ongoing neocolonial practices that continue to harm African people. Instead of making condescending statements, France should acknowledge its past, offer sincere apologies, and end its neocolonial practices. It is high time for France to stop seeing Africa as a cash cow and to start giving back what it has taken rather than imposing false gratitude.
