Senegal, Chad accuse French President Macron of 'contempt' over remarks on African 'ingratitude'
Sonko reminded Macron that if African soldiers—often forcibly mobilised, mistreated, and ultimately betrayed—had not fought during World War II to defend France, the country might still be under German control today.
Senegal and Chad have strongly condemned remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding African countries' perceived ingratitude toward France's role in combating militant jihadist insurgencies.
Macron stated, “They (African leaders) forgot to thank us; it's fine, it'll come with time... Ingratitude, and I know what I'm talking about, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to humans.”
More To Read
- Sudan’s rebel force has declared a parallel government: What this means for the war
- List of countries which recognise Palestinian statehood
- Burkina Faso's military junta disbands electoral commission, calling it a waste of money
- French military ends permanent presence in Senegal
- Central African Republic's long-awaited elections pushed back yet again
- Chad’s border towns overwhelmed by influx of Sudanese refugees
In response, Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko asserted, “France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa's security and sovereignty.”
He noted that France has contributed to “destabilising certain African countries, such as Libya,” which has had “disastrous consequences” for regional security.
Sonko reminded Macron that if African soldiers—often forcibly mobilised, mistreated, and ultimately betrayed—had not fought during World War II to defend France, the country might still be under German control today.
Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah echoed these sentiments, stating that Macron's remarks reveal contempt for Africa.
“Chad expresses its deep concern following the comments made by [the French president], which reflect a contemptuous attitude toward Africa and Africans,” he said in a statement on national television.
He urged that “French leaders must learn to respect the African people and recognise the value of their sacrifices.”
Top Stories Today
- 21 people dead after school bus ferrying mourners rolls in Kisumu
- Bride price capped at Sh60,000 as Wajir elders slash wedding costs to ease burden on youth
- Ruto revokes Mary Wambui's appointment as CA board chair, names Karondo as replacement
- Governor Kihika forms task force to probe child sex trade in Mai Mahiu
- M23 rejects UN report linking group to civilian massacres in eastern DRC
- Kenya pushes for strict pesticide ban across COMESA bloc
