Macron shows contempt for Africans

Chad accuses Emmanuel Macron of having expressed himself contemptuously when he accused African leaders of ingratitude. The criticism is the latest example of the increasingly deep rift between Paris and the Sahel region.

» Published: January 07 2025

Macron shows contempt for Africans
Photo: Aurelien Morissard/AP/TT

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Macron's comment came when he spoke to French diplomats on Monday and claimed that African leaders "forgot to say thank you" for France's help in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel.

"The government of Chad expresses its deep concern following the comments from the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, which reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans," says Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah in a statement.

Lost Military Bases

The Central African nation announced in November that it would terminate its military and security agreement with Paris. This meant that the French lost their last military bases in the Sahel.

France has around 1,000 military personnel in the country, who are now in the process of leaving. In 2013, France intervened to counter jihadist rebels in Mali, which eventually led to the deployment of troops in neighboring countries as well.

However, after military juntas with a critical view of Paris took power in several Sahel countries, France has recently been forced to leave Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as well.

Also Criticized by Senegal

The French have also been asked to leave in Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko does not have much appreciation for President Macron's statements either.

"France has neither the ability nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa's security or its sovereignty," Sonko writes in a statement published on social media.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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