A coalition of progressive and national African organizations has issued a strongly worded joint statement denouncing recent comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron, in which he suggested that the French military is responsible for guaranteeing the sovereignty of several African nations. The signatories have accused Macron of displaying an “imperialist mindset” that seeks to control the continent’s resources under the guise of stability and security.
The joint statement, endorsed by groups including the Arab Youth Organization – Tunisia, Forces de Bâtisseurs du Congo, Parti Communiste Congolais (PCCO), and the African Youth Coalition Initiative, among others, rejected the premise of Macron’s remarks. Quoting Gamal Abdel Nasser, they stated, “Africa is not a sphere of influence, nor is it a laboratory for imperialist experiments.”
The organizations asserted that Macron’s comments are reminiscent of France’s colonial history and its exploitation of Africa. They argued that the French government continues to pursue policies aimed at maintaining the continent’s economic and political dependence. The statement also emphasized that sovereignty is an inherent right, earned through the struggles and sacrifices of the African people, and not something granted by a colonial power. The groups further criticized Macron for seemingly overlooking the history of African resistance to French colonialism.
The signatories also challenged the notion that French military interventions in Africa have been for the benefit of the continent. They contend that these actions have consistently served the interests of multinational corporations, enabling the exploitation of natural resources, all under the pretext of counter-terrorism or peacekeeping missions. The statement asserts that true sovereignty will only be achieved through liberation from exploitation, not through military intervention.
“Africa is the heart of the world, and the true key to crafting a free and independent future, far from imperialist dominance,” the statement quoted African leader Gamal Abdel Nasser as saying.
The joint statement called for international solidarity with the African people and their struggle against what they described as neo-colonialism. They urged progressive and national forces worldwide to stand together against attempts by imperialist powers to continue their dominance through new methods. The signatories believe that genuine stability in Africa will only come from achieving social justice and self-directed development, free from externally imposed free-market policies that benefit global capitalism and complicit local elites.
Concluding their statement, the groups declared that Africa was not a sphere of influence for France or any other imperialist power. They affirmed that Africa is rising with a spirit of resistance and liberation, stating that the continent will not return to a time of subjugation. The statement concluded: “A free, sovereign, and dignified Africa is a continent of peoples, not a continent of multinational corporations or imperialist armies.” They ended by proclaiming: “Long live a free and independent Africa, governed by justice and equality, far from all forms of exploitation.”
