Introduction
Africa’s struggle for genuine independence didn’t end with the lowering of colonial flags. Decades after liberation from European rule, many African countries—especially those once colonized by France—continue to wrestle with the persistent ghost of neo-colonialism. In a striking diplomatic confrontation, Italy’s Prime Minister boldly accused France of “impoverishing Africa” through an entrenched system of economic, political, and military exploitation. Her remarks have opened the floodgates to an urgent global conversation: is France truly Africa’s partner, or is it a disguised master in the post-colonial age?
This article delves deeper into the accusations leveled against France, critically analyzes France’s role in the economic and political affairs of African countries, and underscores the rising pan-African resolve to reclaim sovereignty. We examine the CFA Franc system, France’s military and corporate footprint, the human cost of migration, and the sweeping calls for self-determination.
The Historical Roots of French Influence in Africa
To understand France’s modern dealings in Africa, it’s crucial to trace the roots of this relationship. France’s empire in Africa once stretched across the Sahel, West Africa, and parts of Central Africa, wielding vast control over territories rich in minerals, oil, and agricultural resources. While independence movements surged in the 1950s and 60s, the transitions were carefully engineered to maintain French economic and political dominance through a system later dubbed Françafrique.
This complex network consisted of:
- Secret service operations.
- Bilateral defense and economic treaties.
- Corporate monopolies on key exports (uranium, oil, cocoa, etc.).
- Political manipulation through financial incentives and covert coups.
Even today, the cultural and linguistic presence of France in Africa is unmistakable—an enduring symbol of soft power leveraged for deeper control.
The Explosive Allegation: Italy’s Prime Minister Blames France for African Poverty
In 2019, Italy’s then-Deputy Prime Minister (now Prime Minister) Giorgia Meloni made international headlines by accusing France of systematically impoverishing Africa. She went on to suggest that France’s control over the CFA Franc currency system is one of the biggest drivers of African underdevelopment and mass migration to Europe.
“If today we have people leaving Africa, it’s because some European countries—France above all—are continuing to colonize Africa,” Meloni stated in a viral press interview.
Her words triggered fierce diplomatic rebuttals from France but ignited conversations in Africa and beyond about the legitimacy of post-independence power structures.
The CFA Franc System: A Currency of Control
Fourteen African countries still use the CFA Franc, split into the West African CFA (XOF) and the Central African CFA (XAF). Both are essentially managed by the French Treasury, making this arrangement one of the most controversial colonial remnants still in operation.
Key Characteristics of the CFA Franc System:
- Foreign Reserves: 50% of these countries’ foreign reserves are kept in the French central bank.
- Fixed Peg: The CFA Franc is pegged to the Euro, restricting monetary flexibility.
- Currency Issuance: France must approve money supply increases.
Economic Impact on Africa:
- Limited Sovereignty: Governments cannot fully control their monetary policy.
- Inhibited Growth: Fixed exchange rates make exports less competitive.
- Economic Dependence: Nations remain vulnerable to external shocks and French economic policies.
Case Study: Ivory Coast
Despite having one of the highest GDPs in West Africa, Ivory Coast’s economic gains are heavily tied to cocoa exports priced in euros. Farmers, meanwhile, struggle with debt, low prices, and currency constraints.
Italy’s Prime Minister described the CFA Franc as a financial leash, designed not to develop Africa but to ensure France’s economic advantage.
Exploitation of Natural Resources: The French Corporate Grip
France’s control in Africa extends far beyond monetary policy into the natural resource sector. For decades, French corporations have enjoyed privileged access to Africa’s oil, gas, gold, bauxite, uranium, and more.
Niger: Uranium for French Electricity
Niger produces a significant portion of the uranium used in France’s nuclear reactors, which power nearly 70% of French homes. Ironically, over 80% of Nigeriens live without electricity. French company Orano (formerly Areva) dominates the mining sector but has faced growing scrutiny over:
- Poor labor conditions.
- Environmental degradation.
- Minimal tax contributions.
Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville: Oil Bonanzas
Oil-rich nations like Gabon and the Republic of Congo host French energy giant TotalEnergies, which generates billions in revenue from African crude. However:
- Corruption remains rampant.
- Locals face displacement and pollution.
- Little reinvestment reaches social services.
These realities feed the narrative that France’s economic relationship with Africa is one-sided, resource-extractive, and deeply unjust.
Political Interference: France’s Hand in African Regimes
France has historically positioned itself as a peacekeeper in Africa. However, critics argue that its real objective has been to safeguard friendly regimes and economic interests.
Documented Interventions:
- Chad (Idriss Déby) – France supported Déby’s authoritarian regime for decades, despite human rights abuses.
- Mali (Operation Serval and Barkhane) – Ostensibly anti-terrorism operations also protected French commercial interests.
- Central African Republic – Multiple military interventions favored France-friendly leaders while ignoring local sovereignty.
By providing arms, funding, or troops to compliant leaders, France has enabled regimes that perpetuate inequality and suppress dissent.
France’s Military Presence: Protector or Occupier?
France maintains several permanent military bases in Africa:
- Djibouti (strategic access to the Red Sea)
- Niger (counter-terrorism command hub)
- Ivory Coast (strategic Atlantic outpost)
While France justifies its presence as part of anti-terrorism campaigns, many African citizens see it differently:
- Unwelcome Guardianship: Local populations view foreign troops as a symbol of occupation, not protection.
- Sovereignty Concerns: Host governments often cede critical decision-making to French commanders.
- Civilian Casualties: Several counter-terrorism missions have resulted in civilian deaths, further eroding trust.
The Recent Shift:
In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, growing anti-French protests have led to the expulsion of French troops. These nations have instead turned to alternative partners like Russia’s Wagner Group, signaling a dramatic pivot in geopolitical alliances.
Africa’s Migration Crisis: A Consequence of Exploitation
One of the most emotionally charged points raised by Italy’s Prime Minister was France’s indirect role in fueling the African migration crisis.
How France’s Actions Contribute:
- Economic Desperation: Currency manipulation and resource depletion leave millions unemployed.
- Political Instability: Coup-backed regimes often trigger unrest and persecution.
- Environmental Damage: Extractive industries lead to desertification and displacement.
The European Burden:
Italy, Spain, and Greece bear the brunt of African migration across the Mediterranean. The Italian Prime Minister suggested that France exports poverty and imports wealth, leaving fellow European nations to manage the fallout.
France’s Defense: Diplomacy or Deception?
In response to mounting criticism, French officials often tout:
- Development aid programs.
- French-African cultural exchange initiatives.
- Investments in education and infrastructure.
However, these are often perceived as soft power tactics designed to maintain influence rather than foster true partnership.
French foreign policy in Africa continues to face a credibility crisis, especially as alternative powers (China, Russia, Turkey, and India) offer different models of engagement—some equally exploitative, others promising more equitable frameworks.
The African Awakening: Resistance, Revolution, and Reform
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic shift in public consciousness across Africa. Movements calling for:
- The abolition of the CFA Franc.
- The expulsion of foreign troops.
- Economic justice.
- Institutional independence…
…are growing louder and more organized.
Key Movements:
- #EndCFA: Youth-led protests across West Africa.
- Pan-African Parliament Activism: Demands for greater economic unity and legislative authority.
- Rewriting of National Constitutions: In countries like Burkina Faso and Guinea, new governments are attempting to remove French-era legal relics.
African intellectuals, students, and civil society groups are increasingly challenging the status quo and demanding a complete economic decolonization.
The Way Forward: Building a Truly Independent Africa
The accusations made by Italy’s Prime Minister serve as a catalyst for rethinking Africa’s future. To move beyond the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonial control, African nations must:
1. End the CFA Franc System
- Replace it with regional currencies controlled by African monetary unions.
- Empower central banks to develop domestic industries and finance infrastructure.
2. Reclaim Resource Sovereignty
- Renegotiate or cancel exploitative contracts.
- Nationalize strategic resources and invest profits in health, education, and jobs.
3. Establish Pan-African Economic Blocks
- Strengthen trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Harmonize tax laws, customs unions, and digital economies.
4. Kickstart Afro-centric Education
- Reform curriculums to reflect African history, values, and innovation.
- Promote local languages and reduce dependency on European academic frameworks.
5. Redefine Global Partnerships
- Move from dependency to cooperation.
- Choose partners based on transparency, equity, and mutual benefit.
Conclusion: The Rising African Consciousness
France’s long shadow over Africa is increasingly being exposed. While the accusations made by Italy’s Prime Minister may have seemed bold or controversial, they echo the voices of millions of Africans who have long demanded an end to foreign domination—whether military, economic, or cultural.
The path forward requires courage, unity, and strategic thinking. Africa must now take control of its future, reassert its sovereignty, and redefine its place in the world—not as a pawn in global politics, but as a powerful, dignified, and self-determined force.