Senegal and Chad officials express outrage at remarks suggesting France's role in regional stability is overlooked.
Macron Faces Backlash from African Leaders Over 'Ungrateful' Remarks
Macron Faces Backlash from African Leaders Over 'Ungrateful' Remarks
French President accused of dismissive attitude towards African nations' sacrifices.
The recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron have ignited significant backlash from African leaders, particularly in Senegal and Chad. Speaking at an annual ambassadors' conference in Paris, Macron implied that Sahelian nations had forgotten to express gratitude for France's military support in combating jihadist insurgencies. He stated that without France's intervention, these nations would not possess the sovereignty they currently enjoy.
Chad's Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, condemned Macron's statements, labeling them as indicative of a "contemptuous attitude" towards Africa. He emphasized the need for French leadership to respect the sacrifices made by the African populace and reconsider how they perceive their relationships on the continent.
In a similar vein, Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko criticized Macron's assertions, arguing that France has historically destabilized regions, citing Libya’s situation as a case that had disastrous ripple effects on regional security. Sonko declared that France lacks both the capacity and legitimacy to determine Africa’s security landscape.
Macron's comments came at a time when France is reducing its military presence in West Africa, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where governments have recently distanced themselves from former colonial ties. He said, "We were right [to deploy]. I think someone forgot to say thank you. It's okay; it will come with time," reflecting a sentiment that he believes should be echoed by African heads of state who face public opinion backlash.
The Prime Minister of Senegal noted that their recent decision to request the exit of French troops was an assertion of Senegalese sovereignty, made independently and without negotiation with Paris.
Both Sonko and Koulamallah also reminded the international community of the crucial role African soldiers played in defending France during the World Wars, highlighting a historical paradox of respect and recognition in mutual relations.
Amid this backdrop, Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have actively ended security agreements with France, pointing to a decline in French influence amidst criticisms of neo-colonialism. Following recent coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, there has been a notable pivot towards Russia by the affected nations, suggesting a realignment of partnerships in light of changing geopolitical dynamics.
Chad's Foreign Minister concluded by asserting that France’s military contributions over the past six decades were primarily self-serving, focusing on its strategic interests rather than genuinely aiding African nations in their struggles against instability.
Chad's Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, condemned Macron's statements, labeling them as indicative of a "contemptuous attitude" towards Africa. He emphasized the need for French leadership to respect the sacrifices made by the African populace and reconsider how they perceive their relationships on the continent.
In a similar vein, Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko criticized Macron's assertions, arguing that France has historically destabilized regions, citing Libya’s situation as a case that had disastrous ripple effects on regional security. Sonko declared that France lacks both the capacity and legitimacy to determine Africa’s security landscape.
Macron's comments came at a time when France is reducing its military presence in West Africa, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where governments have recently distanced themselves from former colonial ties. He said, "We were right [to deploy]. I think someone forgot to say thank you. It's okay; it will come with time," reflecting a sentiment that he believes should be echoed by African heads of state who face public opinion backlash.
The Prime Minister of Senegal noted that their recent decision to request the exit of French troops was an assertion of Senegalese sovereignty, made independently and without negotiation with Paris.
Both Sonko and Koulamallah also reminded the international community of the crucial role African soldiers played in defending France during the World Wars, highlighting a historical paradox of respect and recognition in mutual relations.
Amid this backdrop, Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have actively ended security agreements with France, pointing to a decline in French influence amidst criticisms of neo-colonialism. Following recent coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, there has been a notable pivot towards Russia by the affected nations, suggesting a realignment of partnerships in light of changing geopolitical dynamics.
Chad's Foreign Minister concluded by asserting that France’s military contributions over the past six decades were primarily self-serving, focusing on its strategic interests rather than genuinely aiding African nations in their struggles against instability.
