Is France breaking with its colonial past in Africa? | Inside Story

Eight West African countries will soon be using a new currency.
And it may well be that you didn't even know they had an old one!
But for 75 years, the CFA as it would be said in French, has been used as money from Senegal to Niger and most places in between.
But now, the French government's officially approved the end of the CFA Franc.
It means France will cease to co-manage the West African currency. The Bank of France will no longer hold half of the currency's reserves, and a replacement currency, the ECO, will be introduced.
But it will keep its exchange rate fixed to the Euro.
France negotiated with its former colonies for three years before reaching the deal last year.
But is this genuine change, or just a rebrand?
Presenter: Kamahl Santamaria
Guests
Ken Ife, macro-economic policy analyst and consultant to the ECOWAS Commission.
Marie-Roger Biloa, a West Africa analyst and Chief Exective Director of the Africa International Media Group.
Tony Chafer, Professor of African and French Studies at the University of Portsmouth.
Subscribe to our channel: aje.io/AJSubscribe
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Check our website: www.aljazeera....
#AlJazeeraEnglish #InsideStory #France #Africa

[@meltyson]

If the French can’t leave their west African colonies alone, the colonies should just react like Vietnam did to the French

[@Muhammad-kkalid-Loul]

ITS THE ONLY WAY MY BROTHER

[@allopez33]

Or just leave. You can starve.

[@meltyson]

Al lopez France is poor without the resources of west Africa dumb dumb. That’s why they can never leave Africa

[@allopez33]

@@meltyson Poor? Who's drowning in the Mediterranean to get where??? Additionally, if any European country had decided long ago to just eliminate you as a race, you'd be able to do nothing.....literally. The same applies with the French in Vietnam, wannabe scholar. The Battle of Dien Bhien Phu didn't destroy the French; it demoralized them and they left. If Black people were such a force to be reckoned with, how did an entire continent come to be at the mercy of those 'poor' White men? Scientific superiority in naval warfare, armaments, ballistics, etc. And, oh yeah, Blacks had not even contrived a wheel or written language. Good luck in life. Leave the witchcraft alone though!

[@allopez33]

@@meltyson Also, could you enlighten the scientific geniuses in sub-Saharan Africa who dismember their own people for being affected by Albinism? They're just people. And racism is wrong, remember? Do sub-Saharan Africans have a Space Program? Quantum physics was established in the Kalahari Desert, I just learned.🤣

[@basska4503]

We the African we don't need France to put their hands on Africa anymore my people

[@MrMisanthrope_]

Africa never needed them. they needed to have left them alone.

[@datoppatop1]

We know but their puppets are our leaders so our thoughts is never at the table

[@emmavilakazi630]

The problem is the system created, where some of this leaders are gatekeepers so this so call poor French Africa speaking countries should die once by getting rid of the French and their leaders disgrace

[@MichelleBrown-vi5zo]

AGREED 100%

[@fatmatakamara1866]

Changing the name of the currency but maintaining the same system, what nonsense. How can we continue to watch these people get fat off the backs of our people in this day and age? Living everything to the hands of our leaders and waiting for France to develop a moral conscious will never change a thing. We must organize ourselves to take tangible actions (protests, boycotts, educating our brothers and sisters of these demonic practices so they can vote sensibly, etc.) instead of merely expressing anger.

[@naijanistan]

I gave up a while ago when a black man from Ivory Coast proudly told me that they, referring to the Ivorians are the REAL FRENCH than other Francophone nations. I shed tears on that day.

[@phoenix-king779]

That’s the mentality and it’s sad

[@unolowmanta7508]

Shame 😞

[@idy1172]

That’s what they truly believe , same thing I saw when I was in Ivory Coast

[@TheSkum]

They have nothing to do with the French... being a francophone doesn't necessarily mean that you are a French. they are Africans

[@kevinobus7556]

So pathetic

[@johnnywiseezenwa3925]

When will Western word leave Africans alone. our foolish leaders are so blind

[@kdee868]

Johnny Wise stop blaming the western world...francophone africans independancies have been developed on a neo colonial system.

[@kdee868]

Johnny Wise you should watch the movie US, it tells a lot too. goodyear of course,of course good year.

[@liars6495]

they are not foolish they work for these europeans

[@TRAEDONYATOURSTATION]

It's because a lot of African politicians are crooked too and they sell out what's good for African people, to other countries

[@ibrahima6907]

@@kdee868 Because their presidents are puppets chosen by France, how many presidents did France assasinate?

[@georgeappiah169]

France should not interfere with these African nations we are tired of such oppression

[@LadyBirch]

China is next if your leaders keep borrowing from them and failing to pay back as China moves to take over.

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

The 'president' of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara is married to a white women from france. The entire economy of Ivory Coast is dominated by France. Then these shameful dominated west africans say to east africans (ethiopians & somalis) and insult us saying we are not 'Africans' ''we'' are the ''real africans''. They are the SHAME of Africa.

[@scholarssolutions6735]

@@LadyBirch Doesn't mean France is not in the wrong here. Reminder that it wasn't China that colonized half the world, despite being the most powerful nation on Earth for centuries in ancient times. Stop using whataboutism to deflect from France's evil actions.

[@bunnyfreakz]

France continues to stall francophone Africa’s economic development by holding 50 percent of the foreign reserves of 12 countries in its central bank, enriching itself with Africa’s wealth. These compulsory deposits are considered by many Africans to be colonial taxes, amounting to around $500 billion each year,

[@usmanjohn3267]

14 not 12

[@Theghua1]

They r psychopaths

[@bertrandtchouke1407]

They are thieves. Why are Africans afraid of calling France what they are?

[@audreylee1076]

Africa, the time is now to cut away from the colonizer.

[@ericmann770]

HOW??

[@audreylee1076]

@@ericmann770 you have a brain use it and think, "how to free one self from subjugation, dependence and colonial rules

[@fatmatakamara1866]

@@audreylee1076 Exactly!

[@nomathamsanqandlovu3339]

They must leave west Africa. A lot of Africans are stranded in France without proper papers or jobs.

[@WakilAli-e9g]

Africans in France MUST return to their on land and continent not matter the circumstance ..

[@olawalenurudeen2271]

some people don't know that France will be in control of that money (eco) that is the rising why country like Nigeria reject it

[@tauceti8060]

Proof

[@nalburtfrancis2352]

West Africa they still want to be a slave to France

[@juninhofreekick4912]

But Nigeria is worse off. It is another European contraption where the British that created it, get a percentage from every barrel of crude oil lifted from the eastern part of the country. We are all screwed and yet some think we are better than francophone countries. Split up Nigeria and the truth will come out.

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

The 'president' of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara is married to a white women from france. The entire economy of Ivory Coast is dominated by France. Then these shameful dominated west africans say to east africans (ethiopians & somalis) and insult us saying we are not 'Africans' ''we'' are the ''real africans''. They are the SHAME of Africa.

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

@UKBlackman Do you see how west africans accuse us east africans (ethiopians & somalis) of selling out when in fact it is west africans that are still under colonial mentality and worship of white france

[@stranger9216]

For those of you who always wanted to know why Anglophones in Cameroon are engaging in an arm conflict against the Cameroon French central government, I guess this video can give you some hints why

[@TECHSAVI_1]

Imagine France holding half of all French Africa reserves

[@kabamfatu6654]

When we are ready, we will handle France our way.

[@thebridge5483]

Those of us born in the 90s got to get it done kill all the elders and their masters

[@1mm-onemillionmillionaires414]

SHAME SHAME TO SO CALLED LEADERS OF AFRICA... WITHIN 10 YEARS THESE SO CALLED LEADERS SHOULD BE KICKED OUT OF OFFICE..

[@nicanicky155]

10 years is way too far Less than 10 years We ain't got that patience any more They haven't done nothing good to the continent but harm and agony

[@Kimo22425]

It is a ruse. An independent currency not pegged to the Euro is the only solution for us. Enough of this now colonial manipulation.

[@monmalin]

Say it louder

[@patricknjenga1396]

I'm disappointed in the title of this discussion, the context here is that the French in their own good will have decided to change things. This was an African initiative from the start.

[@sekousesay5303]

It’s not France to be blame we African should not beg for economic independent tell France get out of our business .

[@BonsuBigWhale]

France is to blame as long as its military, security and foreign legion mercenary forces remained garrisoned in all of its Afrikan neo- colonies. And as long as it continues to extort billions of euros in wealth transfer from those Afrikan. populations to the coffer of French Treasury. The blame will subside once France leaves or is expelled. Once Afrikans behave like Vietnamese or Algerians.

[@rmkyt7022]

do you know what happened to african leaders who wanted cut ties with france

[@unguja64]

I didn't have to stomach to fully listen to this news story. He said it all in the introduction - suggesting that its more of a "re-branding" rather than france actually quitting the financial colonialism in Afrika. Francophone countries in Afrika must somehow, make a clean break from this ongoing colonization. Replacing the leadership will be a critical requirement.

[@sareeyemanusqaame8723]

Let’s see and test if France will allows Africans to colonized them and manage their wealth and if France won’t allow Africa to hold its reserves why should Africa?

[@tshumalamz8614]

Maybe we the youth must start dealing with these leaders personally maybe they'll start using their brains

[@IamGodSon]

Marie Roger biloa has been brilliant in this panel.

[@georgeappiah169]

We shall continue to say the truth to defend Africa

[@bakariafrica8170]

Why would France need to sign off on African currency unless it's French controlled..

[@gladyshycienth4710]

Nigeria does not want to dominate our francofone countries.. Rather we love you. Please open your eyes ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sematagi9291]

France still relies heavily on African remittances and resources to the tune of millions annually..

[@qhatshepsut6908]

Black men still selling his people to this day.

[@thebridge5483]

Yessir shameful

[@sandrastephens]

Wonderful developments! Very happy for French West African countries. It's now time to turn attention to those African leaders who pillage their national coffers. They are a major problem why West African countries remain poor.

[@honoresangwa1000]

The point is: ARE THE AFRICANS AWARE OF THIS AND DO THEY WANT TO FREE THEMSELVES ?

[@ZumaRoc]

Thank you all for speaking with one voice for the future of Africa. I also thank Tony for supporting the views of the Africans.

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

The 'president' of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara is married to a white women from france. The entire economy of Ivory Coast is dominated by France. Then these shameful dominated west africans say to east africans (ethiopians & somalis) and insult us saying we are not 'Africans' ''we'' are the ''real africans''. They are the SHAME of Africa.

[@s.pmotionpicturereviews6059]

@@Abraham_Tsfaye easy brother africa must come together now

[@unitedcameroon1341]

Cameroon which is the economic power of Central Africa should be thinking of leading the Central African region out of France inteferance.

[@brightnjie4120]

The CFA is another obstacle of the francophone countries progress.

[@bakariafrica8170]

Thanks sister for telling the truth....France has to go...

[@ayubmasud3423]

Our overseas daughters 😂😂as if Africa needed their parental guidance

[@dadikkedude]

That was the way colonialism was sold to the public in European countries. Racism was invented with biast studies to justify the exploitation. Ignorance was the way to control public opinion.

[@dadikkedude]

More like 500 years.

[@cheikhgueye1223]

Africa should come together and have their own own currency no European country involve

[@anthonymanderson7671]

French influence is really becoming unpopular in africa and as a result I stopped learning french anymore as an african.

[@gyanfranciskumar]

France needs Africa, Africa doesn't need France. France can't event win a football match without Africa.

[@beybeyl8171]

It’s no coincidence that some of the least developed African countries are these francophone ones.

[@juanpueblo316]

Freedom as a whole is never GIVEN (by the Oppressor) Freedom IS TAKING (by the Oppressed)

[@kamichaels7941]

Great woman from Cameroon

[@gedionatphysicsmathelectro1867]

You can not be independent while dependent. The best solution comes from Sub-Saharan African Economic integration in "unified currency" backed by its own vast "GOLD" resources.

[@mansarayify]

Actually looking at this video make me think twice about I very coast late prime ministers death Coulubaly, if he was not killed by France to Alasan Utara continue to serve their interest. France is known for that and history can prove that as it has always does. Shame on you France.

[@IamGodSon]

You now understand.

[@naijauktv3899]

Nigeria will not let France remain in Africa, France must go.

[@hamidmalik2572]

Thanks to Al Jazeera we can see the true face of France. That's true of rebrand for Africa currency.

[@franciscomandlate1029]

50% devaluation without consultation 😂😂😂it’s really a hangover...

[@omarjandi2753]

Let's support the eco money to stand, is time to say no to the outsiders,we're strong enough to go✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@irshadali6974]

Not only France but all colonial powers took the best resources out of many nations around the world. Left us nothing and now they preach sustainable development and so on to us. Poor nations are still slaves to colonial masters.

[@nicanicky155]

Am been forced to finance your way of living And afterwards you call me POOR? 👎👎time up GET OUT

[@seeker5968]

all these hate comments are uncalled for africa needs every black man and woman to come back and help her regain her status in the world anyway shape or form. we need our brothers help now more than ever

[@globallyblack5208]

WHEN WILL WE LEARN. FINI AVEC LA FRANCE. KICK THE COLONIZRT OUT FOREVER

[@aab777barry5]

REBRANDING, EQUITY AND EMPOWERMENT IS THE NEW MOTHER AFRICA NORMAL STARTING WITH NIGERIA...

[@1234swimfan]

Shouldn't it be is Africa breaking with France. Isn't it these countries choosing to change

[@hispanoafricana6984]

We need one Africa, one currency.

[@kalofaso8548]

No, France is not breaking it is obliged to do it because of the African youth pressures.

[@leroytaylor9695]

AFRICA MUST DECIDES ITS OWN DESTINY. AFRICA MUST HAVE ONE CURRENCY, A CURRENCY DECIDES BY THE WHOLE CONTINENT AND NOT BY A FEW.

[@hispanoafricana6984]

Enough is Enough! 👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿

[@hodanelmi2958]

Everyone needs Africa ressources but we Africans get nothing from Europe or any other country, Africans can have business within each other. Do know Africa is huge continent and we have everything in it all we need is stop border conflict and be business partners from East to west to north to south.

[@a11-j6r2k]

Great host. Calm and unbiased. Thank you.

[@gm2655]

Africa must have it's own currency

[@MeeMee-pc6bv]

As long as colonial tax will be paid to France we don’t need the ECO

[@aab777barry5]

FRANCE MUST ALSO PAY AFRICA FOR DESTROYING INFRASTRUCTURE & LAND WITH INTEREST, PUNITIVE AND OTHER DAMAGES OVER THE PAST 75 YEARS, AND SINCE COLONIALISM.

[@hirammokom4418]

In the first place why should any African Country allow France to have any influence over their currency. This is just outright continuation of colonization. The blame in my opinion goes to the African leaders not to France because the French leader is out to protect French interest while the African leaders just don't care.

[@unitedcameroon1341]

Africa did interfere in the formation of the erupean currencies so let the Europeans don't interfere in the formation of African countries let each economy power determine.

[@tkautzor]

I think everyone in the CFA zone as well as many people outside of it know that all of the member countries use the CFA Franc.

[@levijerome6487]

Africa people need to have their own money a union and unite as one

[@TheArtofWarChina]

Africa, stand up and fight the Anglo Saxon empire with China!

[@mikebadou722]

When and how France is going to compensate africa for the abuses they had committed for years in Africa

[@leninquintoachebe7406]

No. Cause the executioner will never leaves his victim, until forced to do so.

[@IamGodSon]

This is why we fight in southern Cameroon.

[@rosapereirahorta7269]

It is not france who wants break a reationship, this afriacns lands does not want them anymore.

[@janetkilanko6277]

France should not have invented ECO, this is a ploy to stop ECOWAS from achieving its objective of a common currency for the region this year 2020 to promote the economy in the region.When will France stop colonialism in Africa for God's sake?

[@theresiabantan3170]

France has not, is not, will not do anything right in Africa especially Southern Cameroon. For God sake France should allow Africa and Africans alone. Any investment whatsoever from other countries must pass through France. This has been for decades. Which is not acceptable this time around. God have mercy on Africans and African countries.

[@godschildmuchluv25]

I am so glad to hear this. It is about time.

[@ousainoucolley5297]

Enough is Enough with France ripoffs in Africa.that's the right decision to be taken.

[@achidriakim5134]

French Assimilation Policy still largely taking place across West Africa.

[@muratsevimcok2650]

Liberty for Africa from US and Turkey

[@mamadimama6734]

It is a remake of the cfa. No changes in the real sense of the eco

[@kizurifarm]

Europe has made so much money from Africa and other colonies all over the world since the 1800's. They should cancel all debts owed to them by the African nations and add more for compensation for all the shot they created in Africa. From the forced borders that never considered tribe to creating rivalry amongst African neighbours and countrymen. They knew what they were doing then and know what they are doing now.

[@cynthiakaba7526]

I want France out. The truth is that though Cameroon is culturally, geographically,historically west we don’t want to join Ecowas. We want to keep being considered Central African countries though in the west. Cuz our brothers niaja is always insulting us that we are copying from them this and that. But truth be told from the 15 century it used to be one country, lived together faught wars etc but adopted each other’s culture. That’s why The main difference bet the 2countries is language. Other than that food,culture,manner of talking, names,traditional dances are very similar etc. but we are constantly insulted by the same brothers who know nothing about history so we don’t want to be a part of Ecowas. Let’s keep sticking to Central African countries. Cameroonians are peaceful and the last thing we want is for our brothers to think we copy them due to our ancestral history.. I wish Cameroon was far away from Nigeria. Coming from a Cameroonian no hate but that’s the truth. So make we be so

[@anneeq008]

I for one cannot fathom why the African public stand for this..... How did do you have to be?

[@appiahsamuel9944]

Ain’t France ashamed for doing this to Africa I promise France they will really really really pay for everything they doing to Africa. They will pay for it

[@sunnyokoro]

Where would the ECO be printed? If its still by FRANCE, then this is no deal, it is just a rename of the currency

[@Lulss4]

Don't like this title , Africa is breaking its colonial ties with France, if not for ECOWAS France would be more than happy to continue as they were

[@full_ArmourOfGod]

No wonder west Africa is still so messed up. Never ending wars everywhere they touched. Even in the Congo which isn’t in West africa. French’s ineptitude is quite laughable worldwide.

[@ranmaboii]

Its all of africa , on 2018 a French-tunisian treaty ended with no official media coverage The treaty consisted that tunisia must sell kilos and kilos of sell with old french currency ‚le franc‘ thats totally economic abuse

[@wile2729]

Actually, Senegal and Ivory Coast, two CFA franc countries, are the most stable and prosperous in West Africa while Nigeria and other "free" countries are running themselves into the ground.

[@ubuntu2551]

Algeria still pays a colonial tax to france.

[@williammorgan9820]

Each country has reserves in the ground in the form of Mineral reserves. Each country should develop their own notes. France is not a ;part of Africa. I am from Jamaica. If Jamaica can have its own currency why does Africa needs France Notes.

[@IbisLawrence]

Africa must unite and make its own currency. No, no, no to COLONISATION.!

[@majestystudio3567]

There’s nothing new here,Fraudulently as always.

[@ericleblanch9510]

The European knows if Afrika become their own money. Many European and USA will collapse. Imagine 75 years controlling the Afrikans currency. They afraid that Afrika will put their currency in to gold. Don't look about what each country have to offer. Just put everyone together then move to next 🚶‍♂️ steps. Do like USA did. Kongo for life and Afrika for life..

[@wile2729]

Compare the CFA exchange rate to the dollar with the Naira's exchange rate to the dollar. We started at 1 to 1 now we are at $1 to over 400 naira while the CFA franc is relatively stable. The comment section is full of clowns. The CFA Franc is the best currency in Africa.

[@francisnwadike9505]

You are a devil pure devil 😈😈😈

[@dembageuy1073]

I think Africans Leaders they should be ashamed of themselves to Allow this from Happening , because they are part of the problem too , they have the ability , power and the right to say NO and stop all these madness from FRANCE..

[@charliefennell1764]

THEY ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE UP THEIR MERCEDES.

[@khaleesiseales2960]

I have one question what will it mean to the rest of the world for a unified Africa? I need to see that video.

[@mrdadar2594]

if it is still unbroken. It is called colonial present, not colonial past.

[@omobanedonaija6966]

BuLLSH%T! It is not France doing the separation, it is the countries got fed up of France and have decided long time ago about separating from France controlling their currencies! This is another colonial mentality posture that France wants the whole world to believe. Please world, the African countries are the ones separating from France and NOT France separating from the African countries. Shame on the colonizer, France. I am so glad that Ghanaian president yab the guy (Macron) so bad and the scene was very shameful for France. Please look for the video and watch. I am Nigerian and KUDOS TO MY AFRICAN COUNTRIES AS THEY FINALLY WAKE UP. WE ARE IN A REVOLUTIONARY MILLENNIUM.

[@arsenerolino2283]

I am from congo brazzaville we will send our application to join ecowas once the puppet is no longer in charge France support biafra not for the sake of biafra people but it was aimed to see a civil war that could have broke Nigeria in many pieces which could undermine the rise of strong country in Africa

[@sanjuansteve]

Let's end ALL colonies (and ''territories'', ''commonwealths'', etc) (including military bases in foreign countries) and let's end capitalism before limitless greed ends us all.

[@Abbadon380]

Hmm how about NO

[@starboy5146]

Very bad mentality waiting for someone to guarantee your money?

[@ericsmith3338]

The word influence translates to dominance.

[@juanpueblo316]

_France said to his AFRIKAN old Colonies... Look! I will print your currency ( money ) for you guys And I will allow you to keep 75% of your national budget in my bank... Just pay me a certain interest EVERYTIME that you wish to withdraw any amount of your money... This went on for 75yesrs.....

[@iam_me1269]

I observed that some people here in the comments are seeing different languages being spoken in Africa as a potential barrier to the African unity. You are all wrong. My guys stop talking in vain and start learning about how bureaucracy works or keep quite and continue reading from experts in the field. There are lots of countries in the European Union who are neither English nor French speaking countries. It's not about language difference or shouting in churches and mosques hallelujah or Allah Akbar , it's all about knowing and understanding of how things work.

[@kortkarlson1263]

Next is Cameroon,Gabon ,chat etc

[@goodfathermajor1398]

Nigeria is too big and a great nation for France to control .Nigeria who is helping a lot of country in terms of resources. Is no possible for France to control the economic of Nigeria

[@marionj3820]

France needs to dissolve all from the Berlin Conference pact !!

[@Treysorable]

"Economic Union of West African States" 🙄