Macron 'bares wrath' over remarks on Africa
Macron claimed that countries in the Sahel region "forgot" to acknowledge France's intervention in preventing militant takeovers, suggesting that no Sahelian state would maintain sovereignty without French military assistance.
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Senegal and Chad have expressed strong disapproval of recent comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding France's role in combating militant insurgencies in Africa. Macron's remarks, made during an ambassadors' conference in Paris, have sparked backlash for what many perceive as condescension towards African nations.
Macron claimed that countries in the Sahel region "forgot" to acknowledge France's intervention in preventing militant takeovers, suggesting that no Sahelian state would maintain sovereignty without French military assistance. This statement came as French troops continued to withdraw from West African nations where they had been deployed since 2013 to counter Islamist insurgencies.
In Chad, Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah responded with a sharp rebuke, describing Macron’s comments as reflective of a dismissive attitude towards Africa. Speaking on national television, Koulamallah called on French leaders to show respect for African sacrifices, emphasizing that such remarks undermine the dignity of African nations and their people.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko similarly criticized Macron's assertions. He argued that France itself has contributed to instability in Africa, citing the intervention in Libya as an example of actions with devastating regional consequences. Sonko questioned France's capacity and legitimacy to guarantee African security and sovereignty, rejecting Macron's narrative about French troops’ indispensability.
Sonko also addressed Macron's suggestion that Senegal negotiate with France before deciding to close its military bases. He clarified that this decision was made independently, reflecting Senegal's status as a free and sovereign nation.
Both Chad and Senegal also highlighted the role African soldiers played during the world wars, challenging France to recognize their historical sacrifices. Sonko reminded Macron that African troops, often conscripted under harsh conditions, fought to defend France during World War II. Without their contributions, he suggested, France might have remained under German control.
The strained relationships between France and its former colonies have been evident in recent developments. Nations such as Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have ended their security agreements with France, while Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French troops following political upheavals. Many of these countries have since aligned themselves more closely with Russia.