Why is there such resentment of France in West-Africa?

Mass demonstrations against France are an everyday occurrence in West Africa and beyond...  time to discuss with my preferred panel of 'experts' - ChatGPT and Google Bard.

Things seem to be heating up in Niger. What measures has the military junta taken in the last week? 

[Google Bard] The Nigerien junta has taken a number of measures against France and French interests in Niger in recent months. These include suspending the defence cooperation agreement between Niger and France. This agreement had been in place since 2014 and allowed French troops to operate on Nigerien soil and as a consequence the Junta is now demanding that France withdraw its troops from Niger. The junta has argued that the French presence is no longer necessary and that it is a threat to Niger's sovereignty.

The junta's actions have strained relations between Niger and France. France is Niger's largest foreign donor and has been a key ally in the fight against terrorism in the region. The junta's decision to expel French troops has raised concerns about the security situation in Niger and the ability of the Nigerien government to combat terrorism. The junta has said that it is open to dialogue with France, but it is unclear whether the two sides will be able to reach an agreement.

And how is the population reacting to the French presence in Niger?

[Google Bard] The reaction of the Nigerien population to the French presence in Niger is mixed. Some people support the French presence, others oppose it. It is unclear how the Nigerien population will react to the junta's recent measures against France. Some people may support the junta's actions, while others may oppose them. The situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming months.

Supporters of the French presence argue that it is necessary to combat terrorism and protect the country's borders. They point to the fact that Niger has been one of the most affected countries by terrorism in the Sahel region. They also argue that the French presence has helped to stabilize the country and improve the security situation.

Opponents of the French presence argue that it is a neo-colonial occupation and that it has led to human rights abuses. They point to the fact that France has been accused of using excessive force in its operations in Niger. They also argue that the French presence has benefited French interests more than Nigerien interests.

It is important to note that these are just two of the many perspectives on the French presence in Niger. There is no single, monolithic view on this issue. The situation is complex and there are many different factors to consider.

Has the situation always been this difficult?

[Google Bard] No, the opinion of the people of Niger about the French has not always been this negative. In fact, for many years, the French were seen as benevolent protectors and allies. However, in recent years, there has been a growing sense of resentment towards the French, due to a number of factors, including:

• The perception that the French are not doing enough to help Niger combat terrorism.
• The belief that the French are exploiting Niger's natural resources.
• The feeling that the French are not respecting Niger's sovereignty.

These factors have led to a decline in public support for the French presence in Niger. In the 2022 Pew Research Center poll, only 42% of Nigeriens said that they believe the French presence is a good thing. This is down from 62% in 2015.At the same time, 38% believe that it is a bad thing. The poll also found that support for the French presence is higher among urban residents and people with higher levels of education.

Some of the factors that have contributed to the decline in public support for the French presence in Niger include:

1. The perception that the French are not doing enough to help Niger combat terrorism: Niger has been one of the most affected countries by terrorism in the Sahel region. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile terrorist attacks in Niger, including the kidnapping of French citizens. Many Nigeriens feel that the French have not done enough to help the country combat terrorism.
2. The belief that the French are exploiting Niger's natural resources: Niger is a resource-rich country, with vast reserves of uranium, gold, and oil. Many Nigeriens feel that the French are exploiting these resources for their own benefit, without giving anything back to the Nigerien people.
3. The feeling that the French are not respecting Niger's sovereignty: In recent years, there have been a number of incidents in which the French have been accused of violating Niger's sovereignty. For example, in 2019, the French military carried out a raid on a Nigerien village, killing several civilians. This incident led to widespread anger and protests in Niger.

Is that sentiment directed against french citizens or more generally against France, its policies and presence in Niger?

[ChatGPT] Historical sentiments in many former French colonies, including Niger, can be complex and are directed towards a variety of subjects, such as the French government, its policies, the French language, French culture... They can be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to economic conditions, political developments, regional security situations, and interpersonal relationships.

[Google Bard] The current negative sentiment in Niger towards all things French is directed more generally against France, its policies, and presence in Niger. While there have been some isolated incidents of violence against French citizens, the vast majority of the anger is directed at the French government and its role in the country.

The negative sentiment towards France in Niger is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. The French government will need to address the concerns of the Nigerien people if it wants to improve relations between the two countries.

If we open up the discussion to the wider Sahel, especially Mali, Burkina Faso, but also in countries like Guinea and Chad, how would you characterise the attitudes of governments in the region towards France in the last few years?

[ChatGPT] France's relationships with countries in the Sahel region have traditionally been multifaceted and dynamic, encompassing a broad spectrum of economic, political, and security ties. However, the sentiment towards France has shifted to a blend of collaboration, frustration, dependence, and at times, resentment.

[Google Bard] Overall, the attitudes of governments in the wider Sahel towards France have become more negative in the last two years. 

In the past two years, the sentiment of the Malian government towards France has teetered between criticism and dependence. For nine years, France was Mali’s staunchest ally in its fight against rebel fighters but after the military coups in the country, the  ruling military has broken off its defence accords with France in 2022, expelled French troops from the country over concerns about the effectiveness and productivity of France's military intervention in the country, expressing their belief that it may be exacerbating the problem rather than providing a solution condemning “flagrant violations” of its national sovereignty by the French troops stationed there.

Burkina Faso's government has been less pronounced than Mali's but although French military support in Burkina Faso's fight against jihadists had been openly appreciated, the government of Burkina Faso has ended its military agreement with France and requested the withdrawal of French troops. On 18 January, the government of Burkina Faso announced its intention to terminate the military cooperation agreement with France, in force since 2018.

Meanwhile, the Guinean government's sentiment towards France has been neither hot nor cold, remaining largely neutral over the last two years. Historically, the country always had a more contentious independence process from France, and has had a more strained relationship with its former colonizer. 

Chad's relationship with France over the past two years has been strained. Much like Mali, the Chadian government has criticized the French military intervention in their country, considering it both ineffective and counterproductive. This negative sentiment demonstrates a degree of dissatisfaction with the perceived impact of France's actions in Chad.

Is it fair to say taht there is - generalising a bit - a growing hatred of all things French in those West African countries where military coups have taken pace in the last few years (Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad and now Niger)?

[ChatGPT] While there is a rising tide of anti-French sentiment in some of these West African nations, particularly where military coups have occurred, it would not be entirely accurate to say there is a "growing hatred of all things French". Perceptions and sentiment are complex, multi-dimensional, and differ greatly among individuals, groups, and nations. This complexity is particularly evident in nations with diverse ethnic, religious, and regional identities, such as those found in West Africa.

[Google Bard] I believe it is fair to say that there is a growing resentment of France in some West African countries, particularly those where there have been military coups in recent years. This resentment is due to a number of factors, including the perception that France has not done enough to help these countries fight terrorism, the belief that France is exploiting the region's resources, and the anger over the French government's decision to close its schools in the region. 

[ChatGPT] It's crucial to differentiate between criticism or resentment towards French policies or military actions and a blanket dislike of all things French. There can be dissatisfaction or anger over specific aspects of the countries' relationships with France – such as alleged neo-colonial influence, political interference, or dissatisfaction with military operations – while at the same time, there may be appreciation for aspects of French culture, language, or contributions in other fields such as education or humanitarian aid.

[Google Bard]  It is important to note that this resentment is not universal. There are still many people in these countries who appreciate France's support, particularly in the fight against terrorism. However, the resentment is growing, and it is likely to continue to be a challenge for French-African relations in the years to come.

[ChatGPT] It's also important to recognize that governments' attitudes can sometimes differ from those of their populations. The views expressed by a government (or a military junta) may or may not reflect the sentiments of the wider population. Additionally, public sentiment can be quite fluid, changing in response to political events, economic conditions, or social issues.

[ChatGPT] The perception of "hatred" towards France in West Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue that cannot be attributed to a single cause. Instead, it stems from a combination of historical, political, economic, and social factors. It's important to note that the perception of "hatred" is not universal in West Africa, as attitudes can vary across different countries and communities. There are also many positive aspects to the relationship between France and West Africa, including cultural exchanges, trade partnerships, and development aid.

Some of the key reasons for the strained relationship between France and certain segments of West African populations include:

1. Colonial legacy: France's colonial history in West Africa was characterized by exploitation, forced labour, cultural suppression, and political domination. The legacy of colonization has left lasting scars on the collective memory of the affected communities, leading to resentment and mistrust.
2. Economic interests and exploitation: Critics argue that France's economic interests in the region have sometimes prioritized its own benefit over the long-term development and welfare of West African nations. Economic partnerships and trade agreements are often seen as imbalanced, with some local economies heavily dependent on exporting raw materials to France.
3. Political interference: France's historical and ongoing political involvement in West African affairs has been a source of tension. This includes military interventions, support for certain governments or political leaders, and the perception that France seeks to influence the region's political dynamics to serve its interests.
4. Security and military actions: France's military presence in West Africa, particularly through its involvement in counter-terrorism operations, has led to criticism and accusations of heavy-handedness and civilian casualties.
5. Cultural and linguistic influences: The preservation of French language and cultural dominance in some aspects of West African society can also generate feelings of cultural imperialism and erasure of local identities.
6. Diplomatic disputes: Instances of perceived disrespect, disagreements, or unequal treatment in diplomatic relations can contribute to tensions between France and West African countries.

While we were talking, [Google Bard] mentioned 'neo-colonialism' - how does such French neo-colonialism manifest itself?

[Google Bard] The concept of French neocolonialism in West Africa is multifaceted, involving elements of economic control, political interference, and cultural influence.

France continues to assert a robust economic presence in West Africa, notably through the control of the CFA franc, extensive investments in the regional economies, and intricate trade relationships. This financial grip allows France to wield substantial influence over the countries in this region. Consequently, France stands accused of leveraging this power to exploit the region's resources and favour French corporations at the detriment of West African enterprises.

The French influence also extends into the political sphere, where the country has faced allegations of meddling in the affairs of its former colonies to safeguard its economic stakes and sustain its regional sway. This purported interference has manifested in various forms - from backing regimes friendly to French interests, to orchestrating the removal of unsympathetic governments, and alleged manipulation of electoral processes.

Moreover, France's cultural impact is deeply felt in West Africa through the prevalence of the French language, its education system, and the media. This cultural influx has not only fostered a sense of Francophone identity across West Africa, but it has also compounded the difficulties faced by these countries in disentangling themselves from the web of French economic and political dominance.

[ChatGPT] Accusations of French neo-colonialism in West Africa primarily revolve around economic and political involvement.

On one side, some people argue that France has significant influence in its former colonies, using the CFA franc currency, military interventions, political advice, and vast economic and commercial networks. They suggest this influence hinders these countries' complete sovereignty and impedes their development.

Critics of this viewpoint, on the other hand, argue that the relationship is more complex. They say that it's based on shared history, language, and culture and that France is merely one international player among many in the region. They point to a broad range of cooperation on issues such as development aid, security, and trade, arguing that this can be beneficial for the countries involved.

What are the consequences of these accusations for the relationship between France and its former colonies (in West Africa) and for the citizens of these countries?

[Google Bard] The ramifications of this perceived neo-colonial grip are far-reaching. West African nations often find themselves caught in a cycle of economic dependency on France, which hinders the full blossoming of their own economies. Political instability, too, frequently plagues these nations, a consequence, in part, of alleged French meddling. Further, the permeating cultural influence of France has reportedly stymied the evolution of distinct cultures and identities within these nations.

[ChatGPT] The reverberations of accusations of neo-colonialism can deeply affect the dynamics between France and its former West African colonies, as well as the everyday lives of the citizens of these countries.

The political relationships between France and these nations  find themselves under strain due to such allegations. On one side, local governments or leaders sense an erosion of their sovereignty, while France interprets such accusations as a misinterpretation of its intentions. This discord  cultivates an environment of mutual mistrust and misunderstanding, adding layers of complexity to diplomatic conversations and negotiations.

On a global stage, these claims of neo-colonialism can impact how France is perceived by other nations and international entities. The diplomatic relations between France and others may suffer, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics.

Economic implications are another significant factor. Trade, investment, and aid flows between France and these countries could be altered, especially if policy changes are enacted in response to neo-colonialism allegations. This could bring about considerable shifts in the economic landscapes of these countries. [Google Bard] The consequences of the accusations have also led to increased awareness of the Françafrique network and its negative impact on the region. This has led to calls for reform of the network and for greater transparency in France's dealings with West African countries.

[ChatGPT] Turning our focus to the citizens of these countries, we can observe that their economic and political lives are directly impacted. Economic policies linked to French influence, such as those involving the CFA franc (a currency pegged to the euro), have immediate effects on people's livelihoods. Further, a perception of their leaders being excessively influenced by a foreign power has ultimately led to political disillusionment with the people and to (military) coups d'états.

What is the Françafrique network ?

[Google Bard] Françafrique is a network of political and economic relationships between France and its former colonies in Africa. The term was coined in the 1970s by the French journalist Jacques Foccart, who was a key architect of the network.

[ChatGPT] Over time, the term Françafrique has taken on a more pejorative meaning. It is often used to refer to the clandestine networks comprising French business interests, political elites, and military intelligence, operating in collusion with the ruling elites of many Francophone African countries. These networks are said to exert significant influence over the politics and economies of these countries, with allegations of corruption, nepotism, and even the orchestration of coup d'états.

[Google Bard] The Françafrique network is based on a number of principles, including:

• Patronage: France provides political and economic support to its former colonies, in return for their loyalty.
• Corruption: The Françafrique network is often accused of corruption, with French companies and individuals paying bribes to secure contracts and influence.
• Neocolonialism: Critics of the Françafrique network argue that it is a form of neocolonialism, with France maintaining its control over its former colonies through economic and political means.

[ChatGPT] Critics argue that the Françafrique system perpetuates a form of neo-colonialism, maintaining control over precious resources, ensuring favorable business contracts, and interfering in local politics to favour regimes friendly to French interests. It's important to note that this is a controversial and sensitive topic, with varying opinions on the nature and extent of these relationships. The exact workings of these alleged networks are often not fully transparent, leading to speculation and disagreement. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it's a topic of ongoing debate and analysis.

[Google Bard] The Françafrique network has been accused of benefiting French interests at the expense of West African countries. The Françafrique network has also been accused of corruption. For example, a 2009 report by the NGO Global Witness found that French companies had paid bribes worth millions of euros to secure contracts in West Africa.  Some argue that it is a relic of the colonial era that should be dismantled, while others argue that it is a necessary evil that provides stability and security in West Africa.

In recent years, there has been some movement towards reform of the Françafrique network and France has also pledged to increase transparency in its dealings with West African countries. However, it remains to be seen whether these reforms will be enough to address the concerns of critics of the Françafrique network.

What is the controversy over the CFA franc: about?

[Google Bard] The CFA franc is a currency used in 14 countries in West and Central Africa. It is pegged to the euro, which means that its value is fixed in relation to the euro. This gives the CFA franc a degree of stability that other currencies in the region do not have. 

However, the CFA franc has also been criticized for a number of reasons. Some people argue that it is a form of neocolonialism, with France maintaining control over the economies of West African countries. Others argue that the peg to the euro makes it difficult for West African countries to devalue their currency, which can make it difficult for them to adjust to economic shocks.

[ChatGPT] The controversy over the CFA franc revolves around several issues:

• Economic Sovereignty: Critics argue that the CFA franc symbolizes a form of neo-colonial control by France. As part of the agreement, African countries are required to deposit a portion of their foreign exchange reserves into the French Treasury. Critics say this undermines their economic sovereignty.
• Monetary Policy: The CFA franc's fixed exchange rate with the Euro means that the countries using the CFA cannot adjust their monetary policies based on their own economic circumstances. This can make it difficult for them to deal with economic shocks or pursue independent monetary or fiscal strategies.
• Economic Impact: There are debates about the economic impact of the CFA franc. Some argue that the stability provided by the fixed exchange rate has helped prevent inflation and provided a level of economic certainty. Others argue that it has harmed competitiveness, hindered economic growth, and created dependency on France and the Eurozone.
• Political Influence: Critics say the CFA franc allows France to maintain political influence in the region, further fuelling accusations of neo-colonialism.

[Google Bard] In recent years, there has been growing calls to reform or even abolish the CFA franc. In 2020, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to create a new currency, the Eco, which would replace the CFA franc. However, the implementation of the Eco has been delayed, and it is not clear when it will be introduced.

As a conclusion, what is the way forward for the relationship between France and its former West African colonies?

[ChatGPT] To foster a more constructive relationship, it is essential for France to engage in dialogue, acknowledge historical wrongs, and work towards mutually beneficial partnerships that prioritize the development and self-determination of West African nations. Additionally, addressing issues related to economic disparities, political autonomy, and respect for human rights can help alleviate tensions and foster better relations in the region.

[Google Bard] The way forward for the relationship between France and its former West African colonies is a complex issue with no easy answers. There are a number of different perspectives on this issue, and it is likely that the relationship will continue to evolve in the years to come.

Some people believe that the relationship between France and its former colonies should be based on a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. They argue that France should provide support to its former colonies in areas such as economic development, security, and education. They also argue that France should respect the sovereignty of its former colonies and should not interfere in their internal affairs.

Others believe that the relationship between France and its former colonies should be based on a more independent footing. They argue that France should not have a privileged position in the region, and that West African countries should be free to pursue their own economic and political interests. They also argue that France should not be involved in the internal affairs of its former colonies.

[ChatGPT] The future of the relationship between France and its former West African colonies depends on several factors, and it's worth noting that this is a complex and sensitive issue with diverse viewpoints.

Firstly, it would be beneficial for both parties to foster an open dialogue on their shared history, addressing both the positive and negative aspects. Such conversations may help resolve lingering tensions, misunderstandings, and grievances.

Economic relations, particularly the controversy surrounding the CFA franc, will also need to be addressed. Exploring alternatives or reforms that allow for greater monetary sovereignty without sacrificing economic stability could be part of the solution. Indeed, there have been ongoing discussions about reforming the CFA franc or introducing a new currency.

Another important aspect is the political influence that France has over its former colonies. While the reality of international relations means that influence is often inevitable, it's crucial that it doesn't undermine the sovereignty and agency of West African nations. Measures could be taken to ensure that political relationships are as transparent, mutual, and respectful as possible.

Finally, it's important to note that the countries of West Africa are not homogenous, and their relationships with France are varied. Any solutions should consider these individual differences and should ideally be led by the West African countries themselves, reflecting their needs and aspirations. 

In any case, the path forward will likely require diplomatic finesse, mutual respect, shared effort, and time. However, with goodwill and commitment from both sides, it's certainly possible to build a future relationship that benefits all parties involved.

Thank you for your insights

[Google Bard] You're welcome! I hope my insights were helpful. I'm always happy to discuss this topic further if you have any other questions.

[ChatGPT] You're welcome! I'm glad I could provide you with some useful information. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any topic, please don't hesitate to ask.