La France, dégage!
The slogan «France, get out! » can be seen and heard throughout the former French colonies in West Africa. It´s a sign of growing animosity towards the former colonial master.
This is especially the case in Mali, a country deep in the quagmire of strife, corruption, terrorism, and unstable politics. France is blamed for all that is wrong, even being accused of arming the jihadists they have been fighting since 2012, when they militarily intervened at the request of the Malian government.
Since then, there have been coups and political unrest and todays military transitional government want French forces out of the country as fast as possible. Several other countries engaged in the UN mission (MINUSMA) will likewise pull out their troops as they also are a target for the people’s frustration and anger and as they are met with obstructions from the military government. In the short run, it will with all probability result in increased attack from jihadists, resulting in more death and dread for the population. But might it just be for the better in the long run?
The ghost of colonialism
In January, the Malian government postponed the planned elections for February by five years resulting in the Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) imposing trade sanctions on the country, worsening the situation for an already poor and vulnerable population. The Malian people have taken to the streets to protest the sanctions and to protest against France, which they believe are the real decision makers in the ECOWAS. In Senegal, where I live, many people are convinced that both President Macky Sall and the ECOWAS are puppets of the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
France is behind ECOWAS which is hindering the Malian military fighting the Jihadists. Images and videos against France goes viral on social media.
Even though Senegal got its independence in 1960, France is still seen to have a strong say in the country’s politics. Furthermore, «La mêre patrie» (the motherland) is blamed for the lack of economic development. We all know how easy it is to blame others when things are not going to well, but in this case, as in life in general, the people of Africa should rid themselves of the shackles of the past and take responsibility for their own development and security.
Not that it would be an easy task to do so. Mali is an enormous country with a surface more than double that of France and a very weak infrastructure and military capacity. Small bands of jihadists can easily hide, move in quickly and attack civilian targets at will. In addition, there is other conflict lines dividing the country; between the Tuaregs in the north and the central government, and between the Dogons and the Fulanis. The former accuses the Fulanis of having ties with the jihadists. It’s difficult to see a way forward for the hard tried people of Mali, which desperately needs international support. Despite that, it might just be right for France and the UN military mission to leave them alone, until they are themselves ready to receive assistance, and then preferably from countries without a history of colonialism.
France is behind ECOWAS which is hindering the Malian military fighting the Jihadists. Images and videos against France goes viral on social media.
