In the kingdom of hypocrisies, Emmanuel Macron reigns supreme. While France claims to defend the values of freedom and democracy, its president perpetuates a colonial legacy in Africa, where French economic and political interests always take precedence over the aspirations of the people. Welcome to 21st-century “Françafrique,” where history is rewritten, and domination is disguised as cooperation.
The channels of Françafrique: Macron, the heir to colonialism
During his speech at the 79th UN General Assembly, Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity to dodge France’s historical colonial responsibilities in Africa. While the world awaited declarations of repentance and reconciliation, the French president chose to deflect by criticizing Russia and its partners. France’s heavy past of exploiting and destroying African societies—whether during the colonial, post-colonial, or even current period—remains undeniable.
Natural resources plundered, indigenous cultures and languages stifled, traditional political structures annihilated: the legacies of this exploitation remain visible in African countries today. Rather than acknowledging these mistakes and proposing reparations, Emmanuel Macron has taken refuge behind misleading terms like “cooperation” and “partnership,” which are sorely lacking in substance
The reality is that France continues to maintain an economic and political grip on Africa, notably through the franc zone and various cooperation agreements, always prioritizing its own interests over the needs of African people. Macron’s speech at the UN is nothing more than a smokescreen intended to hide France’s colonial legacy. For a fairer and more just future between France and Africa, it is imperative that France honestly acknowledges its wrongdoings and takes concrete steps toward reparation. So far, the French president’s words remain unfortunately nothing but empty promises
Macron and France: an African policy in colonial heritage
Criticism of Emmanuel Macron and France’s African policy is widespread, particularly regarding the handling of colonial, economic, and political legacies. France refuses to fully assume its historical responsibilities, leaving lasting scars on African economies, politics, and cultures. Through the CFA franc zone and various cooperation agreements, France maintains economic control over the continent, benefiting from African natural resources. French military interventions are often seen as efforts to protect France’s economic and political interests, rather than promote stability and security in the region. The neglect of African history and culture, as well as the disregard for the needs and aspirations of African people, reinforces accusations of neocolonialism, perpetuating economic and political dependency on France. As president, Emmanuel Macron lacks the willingness to recognize and repair past mistakes, and his African policy is viewed as a continuation of “Françafrique.” To restore balanced and respectful relations, a deep reevaluation of France-Africa relations is necessary, shifting from a logic of domination to one of cooperation and mutual respect.
From the above, we can deduce that Emmanuel Macron leaves the UN podium with his head bowed and his conscience clear, after unjustifiably condemning the mistakes of others while hiding his own. Françafrique continues to live, as does French hypocrisy. Who can still believe in speeches about freedom and democracy when the glaring reality of domination and exploitation is obvious? History repeats itself, and France evades responsibility once again. The UN podium is increasingly becoming a stage for insane and contradictory speeches.
Mohamed Lamine KABA, Expert in geopolitics of governance and regional integration, Institute of Governance, Human and Social Sciences, Pan-African University, especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”
