Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – Francophone Africa has recently witnessed a rise in anti-French sentiment, and this has left many wondering if French-speaking African countries have turned their backs on their colonial masters. From street protests and online campaigns to boycotts of French goods, the rhetoric seems to be spreading beyond the educated urban elite. Alain Antil, a researcher at the French Institute, warns that this phenomenon could “take root for a long time.”
What has caused this anti-French sentiment in Francophone Africa? Many attribute it to the perception that France continues to meddle in the affairs of its former colonies, often to the detriment of African interests. The French army’s decision to intervene in several African countries, such as Mali and the Central African Republic, has not gone down well with many Africans. Additionally, there have been allegations of French companies exploiting African resources and manipulating local politics to their advantage.
Moreover, some have pointed to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments regarding Francophone Africa as a catalyst for the current anti-French sentiment. Macron’s statement that “Africa is facing a civilizational challenge” was criticized as being condescending and dismissive of African culture and history.
The effects of this anti-French sentiment are already being felt in some Francophone African countries. In Ivory Coast, for instance, there have been calls for the removal of French military bases. Some Ivorians accuse the French army of supporting the current president, Alassane Ouattara, in the recently held controversial elections.
In Senegal, one of France’s closest allies in Africa, there have been widespread protests against the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad by the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo. The protests quickly turned into an anti-French rally, with some calling for a boycott of French products.
But not everyone is convinced that anti-French sentiment is prevailing in Francophone Africa. According to Professor Remi Adekoya, a senior lecturer in International Politics at the University of York, “The reality is that most Africans are too preoccupied with their daily struggles to care about France or French colonialism.”
Nevertheless, the fact remains that anti-French sentiment is a reality in some Francophone African countries. If left unchecked, it could have serious political and economic consequences, not just for France, but for the entire region.
In conclusion, the rise of anti-French sentiment in Francophone Africa is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single cause. Whether it is due to France’s perceived interference in African affairs or President Macron’s controversial comments, the effects of this sentiment are already being felt. It remains to be seen whether this anti-French sentiment will continue to grow or whether it is just a passing fad.
