This archive report was first published on 11 October 2021.
French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that France owes Africa a debt, which it must now repay progressively. Macron made the admission at the first-ever France-Africa Summit, which excluded politicians and brought together entrepreneurs, sports personalities, cultural activists, and researchers.
Speaking in Montpellier, Macron said that Africa's relations with France, one of its former colonial masters, have not always been beneficial for both sides. He acknowledged that France's colonial past has left deep scars on Africa and that it is time for France to make amends.
Macron's comments come at a time when tensions between France and Africa are running high. The Sahel region has been plagued by instability, and several coups have taken place in French-speaking Africa. Critics have argued that France's colonial legacy is partly to blame for the instability.
Macron defended France's interventions in West African states, saying that they are intended to support democracy and stability. However, he acknowledged that France's actions have sometimes been perceived as destabilizing.
At the summit, Macron met with 12 African youth, including Adelle Onyango, a former radio presenter from Kenya. Onyango told Macron that Africa still remembers colonialism and that France's failure to acknowledge its role in the past has caused great pain.
Macron responded by saying that France has apologized for its colonial past, but that apologizing is not enough. He promised to work with Africa to find practical solutions to their problems and to bring back true collaboration and partnership between the two regions.
Macron also announced that 26 artworks and other prized artefacts long sought by Benin would be returned to the country at the end of the month.
