Senegal’s PM: France has contributed to destabilising certain African countries
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko strongly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on Monday, in which he claimed that “Sahel countries have not thanked France for its assistance in combating terrorism.”
“Had it not been for the contribution of African soldiers in World War II to liberate France from Nazi occupation, France might still be under German control today,” Sonko said in response to Macron’s statements to French ambassadors at an annual conference on foreign policy for 2025.
Sonko also denied Macron’s claim that consultations had taken place between France and African nations regarding the withdrawal of French troops, saying, “No discussions or negotiations have occurred. The decision made by Senegal is solely its own, as a free, independent, and sovereign state.”
During the conference, Macron said that “the decision to withdraw French troops from Africa was made by Paris in consultation and coordination with these countries,” adding, “We proposed to African heads of state to reorganise our presence, and being very polite, we allowed them to announce these withdrawals first.”
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also condemned Macron’s accusation of “ingratitude” directed at African leaders.
“France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty. On the contrary, it has often contributed to destabilising certain African countries such as Libya, with disastrous consequences noted for the stability and security of the Sahel,” PM Sonko said.
